• An invitation to go ‘above and beyond’
  • Foster a vibrant chamber music scene in Melbourne for future generations
  • Support the development of the next generation of Australian string players

 
Through a bequest, your love of the music lives on. Remembering Melbourne Chamber Orchestra in your will is a wonderful way to sustain the orchestra’s music-making for generations to come.
 
Monies given to MCO through a bequest are normally directed to an endowment to secure the orchestra’s future. Endowment bequests are invested to maintain the value of the initial capital and drawn down at 4% per annum to benefit the orchestra’s programs.
 
Within the bequest endowment, there are opportunities to leave your mark by directing your support towards an area of MCO’s activities that is meaningful to you. We ask that bequestors contact us before making a directed bequest, to ensure that we are able to honour their wishes.
 

What your bequest could support

 
As a small arts organisation receiving very limited government funding, the MCO relies on the generosity of its benefactors to ensure it can achieve its vision and mission.
 
The following are some of areas of our program for which we are currently seeking philanthropic support:

  • Support for our world-class musicians (Artistic Director, Principals, Core Players)
  • Engaging first-class soloists
  • Bringing fine music to the regions of Victoria and beyond
  • Access programs, including subsidised tickets for schools and the disadvantaged
  • Composition and performance of new music
  • General operating expenses

 

Bequest Structures

 
There are three general structures for a bequest. These are:

  • named bequests – A program is endowed in perpetuity in the name of the donor. In general, the minimum donation for a named bequest is $120,000 of which 1/3 is a general revenue bequest.
  • general endowment bequests – An amount of money or an asset is given to the MCO towards its endowment. The structure and minimum size of a general endowment bequest may be discussed with the Executive Director.
  • general revenue bequests – An amount of money or an asset is given to the MCO towards its general operating expenses.

 

Pro Arte Circle

 
Bequestors are invited to join MCO’s new bequest society, the Pro Arte Circle, allowing them to maintain a close connection with the orchestra through functions and activities that acknowledge their benefaction.
 

Making a bequest

 
We recommend the involvement of your solicitor to guide the appropriate wording of your bequest in preparing your will.
 
If you are considering including MCO in your will, or have already done so, please contact the Executive Director for a confidential and no-obligation discussion of your preferences and intentions.

Richard Jackson
Executive Director, MCO

(03) 9119 1599