Skip to main content

Bequest Society

Make Music Your Legacy

Sharing the gift of music with future generations is one of the best gifts of all.

Including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in your estate planning will help us support our young and emerging artists, bring the world’s finest to the Concert Hall stage and demonstrate the power and positivity that music brings to communities. Your gift will inspire great music.

If you make a gift to the Orchestra in your will, please consider letting us know about your plans. We will be able to introduce you to the Orchestra and our musicians so that you can see the aspects of our musical life that will be enhanced though your generosity.

Honouring Stuart Challender AO

The late Stuart Challender changed the Sydney Symphony Orchestra forever.

He achieved this through a musical dynamism that marked him as one of our nation’s greatest musicians and through his passionate and ambitious planning for the artistic development of the Orchestra. It was his untimely passing that focused the nation’s attention on his life’s work and allowed us to begin measuring his extraordinary legacy.

Stuart Challender’s vision has continued to inspire us – even though it is thirty years since his last performance and final encores. Today, Stuart’s vision powers our artistic aspirations and dedicates us to nurturing the next generation of musicians and audiences.

Stuart Challender Gallery

From Members of our Bequest Society

When the Sydney Symphony Bequest Program was set up in the 1990's I was one of the first to commit, along with a generous donor and several board directors, it was an easy decision for me to make.

I couldn’t imagine a life without music nor a future without the Sydney Symphony. Building an endowment is critical to the life of an orchestra; to maintain excellent players, engage the best conductors and soloists, present large scale repertoire, and meet the costs of regional touring and engagement. These programs are fundamental for orchestral music to thrive and enrich our community.

For individual musicians, income from an endowment can help buy or provide loans for instruments. It can ensure creative fulfilment through ensemble concerts. And it supports fellowships for young players, the musicians of the future. So while none of us know when they'll become a reality, bequests are vital to receive but just as life-giving to make.

Mary Vallentine AO
Managing Director, Sydney Symphony (1986–2003)

Mary Vallentine

By making a notified bequest, you can be certain the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will be a grateful beneficiary. It will ensure you continue to enjoy your association with the Orchestra during your lifetime, and the orchestra will continue to honour you after you've gone.

Ray Wilson OAM
Founding Member, Sydney Symphony Orchestra Bequest Society

Mary Vallentine

There is no minimum bequest value required for membership of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Bequest Society. All gifts are treasured and treated as an enduring personal statement reflecting your dedication to music. Your membership of the Society can remain anonymous if you wish.

For a confidential and sensitive discussion about how your gift will endure and make a profound difference, please contact:

Fleur Griffiths
Head of Philanthropy
(02) 8215 4645
Fleur.Griffiths@sydneysymphony.com

Additional Information (0.09 MB) Additional Information (0.09 MB) Suggested Codicil (0.03 MB) Suggested Codicil (0.03 MB)