The Oxford and Cambridge Musical Club was founded in London in 1899 as a residential Club for Gentlemen. At the club's foundation, it was open (principally) to past and present members of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The club's original purpose was the performance of chamber music but expanded over the years to include solo instrumental music, vocal music, orchestral music and opera. Its first premises were at 47 Leicester Square but from 1914 to 1940 the club was situated at 6 Bedford Square. Ladies were first admitted in 1938. After 1940 the club ceased to be a residential club.
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Today the club provides music-making activities in central London with membership open to all. It has links with the University College London Chamber Club and the Pro Corda Trust.
Club history
The heyday of the club in its original form was from 1900 to 1940 and many famous musicians, politicians and artists of the day were members. The first President of the Club was Dr. Joseph Joachim, the violinist and friend of the composer Brahms. At the establishment of the Club, a number of prominent people were invited to become honorary members, including the Prime Minister Arthur Balfour - who succeeded Joachim as Club President, composers Sir Hubert Parry and Sir Alexander Mackenzie and the conductor Hans Richter.
The Club Archives are held at the Bodleian Library Department of Special Collections in Oxford.