Greatest Needs Fund
Thank you for being part of our story. Revenue generated from ticket sales makes up 31% of what it takes to present world class music in our city. As a non-profit organization, funding is also sourced through grants, sponsorships, and donations from individual supporters. In fact, contributions from donors make up another 49% and have sustained the Orchestra for more than 60 years.
Champion donor programmes
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is able to achieve its goals thanks to the generous support and dedication of its Champion donors.
There are many ways to support the Orchestra – choose a donor programme that resonates with you. You could help bring virtuoso artists or guest conductors to Calgary, support the next generation of artists through our education programmes, assist with the commissioning of new music, or leave a legacy for years to come – your gift helps us continue to foster great orchestral music and make an impact on Calgarians and music lovers around the world.
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation
The CPO Foundation is critical to the long-term stability and growth of the Orchestra. The Foundation is the CPO’s largest annual supporter, and its Endowment Fund is now the second largest endowment held by a Canadian orchestra. Your contribution to the CPO Foundation ensures future generations have access to the power of orchestral music. Create a legacy by naming a musician’s chair through the Endowed Chair Programme. Donations made to the CPO Foundation may be eligible for matching funds from the Canada Cultural Investment Fund.
Through the DeBoni New Works, champions Irene and Walt DeBoni contribute to the development and commissioning of new Canadian works. Thanks to DeBoni New Works, this Season the CPO premieres two new works: Vincent Ho’s The Sandman’s Domain: Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra and Abigail Richardson and Alexis Diamond’s Making Light. Your donation to DeBoni New Works supports the production of new contemporary classical music.
The Naomi and John Lacey Virtuoso Programme
The Naomi and John Lacey Virtuoso Programme helps the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra bring world-class artists to its stage. While in Calgary, Virtuoso Artists teach masterclasses to aspiring young musicians at Mount Royal University Conservatory. Your donation to The Naomi and John Lacey Virtuoso helps the CPO bring renowned artists, like Award-winning soprano Renée Fleming, to Calgary.
Champions Elaine and Jeremy Clark, along with their daughters Keiko and Chloe are committed to supporting new initiatives and encouraging the next generation of philanthropy. In supporting projects such as live-streaming, Meludia, Heartsrings, pre-concert chats, and the Mozart Patron Programme, the Clark Family has helped bring more music to more people. Your donation helps the CPO continue to undertake new and innovative projects and initiatives.
The Borak Forte Programme, founded by Ellen and Allen Borak, helps sustain the art of Choral music by supporting the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus. The Borak Forte Programme nurtures the development of Calgary’s finest large Chorus, led by Chorus Master Timothy Shantz.
Brussa Brava! Legacy Programme
Championed by Andrea Brussa, the Brussa Brava! Legacy Programme (BB!LP) helps the Orchestra by supporting the engagement of the world’s leading conductors. This Season, BB!LP is the proud sponsor of five accomplished female conductors: Gemma New, Joann Falletta, Sarah Hicks, Mélanie Léonard and Eun Sun Kim. Your donation to the Brussa Brava! Legacy Programme allows the CPO to continue to bring prominent guest conductors to Calgary.
Maclachlan/Ridge Emerging Artist Programme
Founded by Letha MacLachlan, Q.C., and John Ridge, the MacLachlan/Ridge Emerging Artist Programme provides outstanding young Canadian musicians the opportunity to advance their careers by performing with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Thanks to the MacLachlan/Ridge Emerging Artist Programme, pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko performs with the CPO this Autumn. Your donation to the MacLachlan/Ridge Emerging Artist Programme helps develop the next generation of Canadian artists.
Joyce And Dick Matthews Philanthropic Programme
Joyce and Dick Matthews were generous and dedicated supporters of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for over 50 years. The Joyce and Dick Matthews Philanthropic Programme was created in their memory and provides patrons the opportunity to recognize someone special in memoriam. Your donation to the Joyce and Dick Matthews Philanthropic Programme supports the greatest needs of the Orchestra.
CPO programmes
Championed by Judy Kilbourne, PhilKids is an afterschool programme that puts instruments in the hands and music in the hearts of children who otherwise would not have access to such artistic development. Students, grades one to five, are provided the opportunity to work closely with musicians from the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in an immersive music experience. Your donation to PhilKids supports the empowerment of children through music.
Heartstrings
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra believes that the arts should be accessible to everyone. In that spirit, the CPO wants your help in contributing to its HeartStrings programme.
Endowed Orchestra Chair Programme
The key to the CPO’s longevity and progressiveness as a vibrant arts organization is in the quality of our individual musicians and retention of those musicians. We need your support in perpetuating the Orchestra’s legacy. Create your legacy through naming of an Endowed Chair – in your name, your family’s name, or in recognition of someone special.
Paul & Margaret Boëda Music Library
A vital part of our Orchestra’s successful operation. The Paul & Margaret Boëda Music Library holds music scores to musicians for all performances throughout the year.
Legacy giving puts you in control of the distribution of your estate. Giving in this manner, whether in the form of cash, securities, life insurance, real estate, or other gifts in-kind can provide personal tax advantages while contributing to the financial well-being of a charitable organization of your choice.