The William Walton Trust
Upon his death, William Walton expressed his desire to support young musicians through his estate, just as his many patrons had aided him. Consequently, the William Walton Trust was established in 1984. For 4 decades, our charity has played a vital role in promoting musical education, supporting talented musicians, promoting Walton's music globally, and making his lesser-known works accessible.
Since 1990, the Trust has worked alongside its Italian counterpart Fondazione Walton. In the 90s, the Trust sponsored the complete recording of Walton's works, completed in 1995. The Trust has also prepared performing editions of his more niche pieces, enhancing public access to Walton's music. In the UK, the Trust works with various high-profile institutions.
In Forio, Italy, the Trust has also established an official Walton archive in 1990, providing valuable resources for scholars and enthusiasts and facilitating the preparation of new editions of Walton's works.
In the beautiful setting of Giardini la Mortella, Walton's beloved Italian estate on the island of Ischia, the Trust organizes masterclasses for music students and young musicians.
It allows emerging classical musicians aged 18 to 32, from top music schools like Scuola di Musica di Fiesole, Accademia Stauffer, and the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, to take part in their chamber music season curated by Lina Tufano and their Festival of Youth Orchestras, the season of symphonic music at the Greek Theatre, curated by Caroline Howard. The Trust also supports publications about Walton and engages in music education projects with schools.
The Centenary celebrations in 2002 showcased Walton's influence through various performances and events, emphasizing the Trust's continued dedication to education and community engagement. In 2026, the Trust is celebrating the Centenary of the birth of Susana V. R. Maria Gil Passo, Lady Walton, with special events that celebrate her incomparable work at Giardini la Mortella and her role in keeping her husband's legacy alive.
Mission and Activities
For over four decades, the Trust has played a key role in promoting musical education, supporting emerging talent, advancing Walton’s music worldwide, and making his lesser-known works more accessible to a wider audience.
Collaborations and Production
Since 1990, the Trust has worked closely with its Italian counterpart, Fondazione Walton. In the 1990s, it sponsored the complete recording of Walton’s works, completed in 1995, and produced performing editions of his lesser-known compositions. In the UK, it has been actively involved in the Oldham Walton Festival since 1993.
Archive and Education
In 1990, the Trust established the official Walton Archive in Forio, Italy, providing valuable resources for scholars and enthusiasts and supporting the development of new editions of Walton’s works. At the beautiful Giardini la Mortella on the island of Ischia, the Trust organizes masterclasses and educational programmes for young musicians from leading institutions such as the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Scuola di Musica di Fiesole, and Accademia Stauffer.
Events and Celebrations
The Trust promotes concert seasons and festivals, including chamber music curated by Lina Tufano and the symphonic season at the Greek Theatre, directed by Caroline Howard. The Centenary celebrations in 2002 highlighted Walton’s legacy through performances and events. In 2026, the Trust celebrates the centenary of Lady Walton with special initiatives honouring her extraordinary contribution to Giardini la Mortella and her role in preserving Walton’s legacy.