The Making Music Kirby Collection was launched in August 2011 thanks to a generous legacy from Alan Kirby, Making Music's first Chairman. He was a leading figure in choral singing in Surrey and, together with his wife Ethel, was keen to ensure the continued success of choral singing in Surrey.

The Making Music Board decided to use the £135,000 legacy to purchase a collection of printed music for choirs. This is now kept at the Surrey Performing Arts Library, where the music has its own distinctive label and is shelved alongside the other music for choirs.

This extensive collection will be developed between 2011-2013 and already offers a wide range of many choral favourites as well as some more unusual works. Please see below for a list of the stock in the collection.

Group members of the Surrey Performing Arts Library can reserve scores up to six months in advance of their first rehearsal and, if the scores are not required, they will become available to choirs all over the UK through their local library service. Reservations can be placed in person, by email, on the phone or using the online form.

About Making Music

Making Music is the UK’s number one organisation for voluntary music, helping over 3,000 music groups to flourish in their music making. Its members include choirs, orchestras, music promoters, jazz and wind bands, community festivals, samba groups, sitar ensembles, barbershop choruses and brass bands. These groups come to Making Music for the expert help they need to set up, run and grow music in their communities.