Greatest Needs Fund
Thank you for being part of our story. Revenue generated from ticket sales makes up 35% 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 40% and have sustained the Orchestra for more than 60 years.
Champion donors + programmes
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.
Discover Artistic Greatness
The Naomi and John Lacey Virtuoso Programme helps the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) bring world class artists to our stage, enhancing musical presentations for the benefit of both those attending and our Orchestra musicians. The Virtuoso Programme also benefits the Mount Royal University Conservatory. During their time in Calgary, Virtuoso Artists teach master classes, leaving a legacy of inspired education from which aspiring musicians can grow. Donations towards this programme help the CPO ensure greater positive impact on our city’s young talent with each Virtuoso performance.
Build the Future
Founded by Judith Kilbourne, the PhilKids after-school programme fuels the exploration of music amongst children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to take part in music lessons. Students learn valuable life skills including mentorship, creative self-expression, self-discipline, and cooperative learning.
Give Strong Direction
The Brussa Brava! Legacy Programme (BB!LP) founded by Andrea Brussa has sponsored over 80 guest conductors. Each have brought their unique talents and influence to the Orchestra. Starting in the 2017/2018 Season, BB!LP is the proud sponsor of CPO’s Music Director, Rune Bergmann. Your donation towards BB!LP serves to elevate the music and the reputation of the CPO.
Create Future Masterpieces
With the generous support of Irene and Walt DeBoni, the CPO is committed to developing and commissioning new Canadian artistic works that reinvigorate the orchestral tradition and speak to today’s audiences. Your contribution to the DeBoni New Works projects help inspire composers and musicians to produce new contemporary classical music each Season.
Let Voices Be Heard
The Borak Forte Programme is designed to develop the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus into Canada’s premiere orchestral chorus. Dedicated to excellent choral performances of symphonic works, the Programme reaches goals through development activities for over 120 chorus members, including funding access to world class clinicians.
Foster New Talent
The MacLachlan Ridge Emerging Artist Programme was founded by Letha MacLachlan, Q.C. and John Ridge to enable outstanding young Canadian musicians to advance their careers. Donations towards this Programme have successfully created a bridge for the artists between musical academic excellence and their professional careers in the highly competitive arena of world class performance.
Honour a Friend
Joyce and Dick Matthews were generous and dedicated supporters of the CPO for over 50 years. They regarded symphonic music as one of life’s greatest pleasures, and a strong orchestra as a hallmark of a world-class city. They shared this passion with their family, who continue the legacy of supporting the Orchestra. The Programme provides the opportunity for patrons to Celebrate Friends in Music by recognizing someone special in memoriam, and Leave a Legacy by leaving a planned legacy gift, alongside that of the Matthews.
Leave a Legacy
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.
Sponsor a Score
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
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.
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.