Music in Prisons - The Irene Taylor Trust

About Us / Our Patrons

Roger Graef OBE

Roger is a writer, filmmaker, broadcaster and criminologist, best known for his pioneering work in gaining access to hitherto closed institutions ranging from boardrooms to prisons and for his BAFTA award winning programme Feltham Sings!
"The case for art in prisons is not theoretical. It is practical and pragmatic. Through art learning passes not only through the brain but through the heart."

Mark Knopfler OBE

Formerly of Dire Straits fame and now touring internationally as part of his solo career, Mark also took time out in 2005 to wow audiences at Music in Prisons' 10th Anniversary Party with a fantastic acoustic performance.
"These projects are about using music to provide new opportunities for people who often come from very disadvantaged backgrounds. Music can cut across everything and heal in new ways."

Murray Perahia

For over 30 years, American pianist, Murray Perahia, has become one of the most sought-after and respected pianists of our time. He is often described as a "musician's musician," one who performs with a distinctive directness. Murray performed a recital for Music in Prisons at its launch in the Guildhall in 1996.

The Rt. Hon. Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers

Lord Phillips is the former Lord Chief Justice. He has spoken on many occasions of his concerns regarding the current overcrowding of the prison system and is deeply committed to ensuring that rehabilitation is a real and credible part of the prison experience.

Jon Snow

Well-known for his colourful ties, Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow has a keen understanding of the need to offer positive opportunities to those most disadvantaged and excluded in our society.
"Music is a wonderful route toward making meaningful contact with people who's life experience has culminated in jail. It is a vehicle for personal development and the expansion of horizons. Music in Prisons is a vitally important element towards changing the life chances and choices of people who end up in prison."

Mark-Anthony Turnage

As one of Britain's most successful and inspirational living composers, Mark has remained committed to the objectives of Music in Prisons since we first began.
"What Music in Prisons does is so important in enhancing a civilized society. The idea of punishment as opposed to rehabilitation is from the dark ages - long may this brilliant work continue."

Dame Fanny Waterman

Fanny Waterman is widely celebrated not only as a piano teacher and co-author of the Waterman/Harewood Piano Series, but also as founder and organiser of the prestigious Leeds International Pianoforte Competition. She has been a patron of the Trust since its inauguration.

The Rt. Hon. The Lord Woolf

As an ex-Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf's interest in the state of our prisons stems from both a pragmatic view of justice and a deep humanitarian streak.
"Here is a group of people who are bringing about positive and effective change in an imaginative and constructive way. It is not just about making music. Participants go away with better communication and team working skills. They leave prison better equipped to face the many challenges ahead of them."

The Rt. Hon. Sir Igor Judge

Sir Igor is the current Lord Chief Justice and the most recent addition to the Trust's board of patrons. His considerable experience as a judge at the highest levels has instilled in him a belief that offenders must be approached as individuals rather than a list of misdemeanors, stating in 2005: 'You are not sentencing a piece of paper.'