Speaking about the annual drive, Musica Viva’s Director of Development, Hywel Sims says, “The Virtuosi Campaign is a vital part of Musica Viva’s philanthropic activities.”
He continues, “We rely on individual and institutional support to cover half the costs of running Musica Viva’s educational and artistic programs and our annual appeal is the best way for us to reach our supporters across the country.”
Musica Viva presents more concerts to more school students than any other company. It also takes music programs beyond the cities to rural and regional schools that might otherwise miss out.
This year, Musica Viva is bringing live performances to over 250,000 school students across the country, giving even more children the opportunity to engage with Musica Viva’s best musical ensembles and work with professional composers and musicians.
“In order to keep our education programs as accessible as possible, Musica Viva only charges schools a fraction of the actual cost,” says Mr Sims. “We rely on the generosity of our donors to help underwrite the actual cost of providing these ground-breaking programs to those most in need.”
Contributions to the 2014 Virtuosi Appeal will assist as follows:
$250 – helps a group of children from a disadvantaged school to experience the thrill of a live music performance at a Musica Viva In Schools concert
$1,000 – allows students to work with a professional composer or musician, providing creative opportunities unlike any other
$5,000 – subsidises the travel costs of an ensemble to provide an inspirational live music experience to children and communities in remote areas.
Musica Viva has been bringing the best Australian musicians and composers directly to classrooms for over 30 years, reaching over 6 million students. Musica Viva’s knowledge, experience and national reach means the company is in the best position to deliver a quality music education to thousands of Australian students.
“Musica Viva believes that all children deserve a quality music education, but still only one in four Australian students currently have access to specialist music teachers,” says Mr Sims. “When children have access to Musica Viva’s quality music education, the benefits start to multiply – the newfound musical skills that students gain flow into other areas of their lives, building confidence, self-esteem and their capacity to learn.”
To donate to Musica Viva’s 2014 Virtuosi Appeal, go to musicaviva.com.au/donate
Support from the community will help make quality music education a part of the lives of all Australian children.
