MUSICAL EXCELLENCE IN A SACRED SPACE
Music is universally valued as a path to closer contact with the divine spirit. And so it is in this Cathedral, where many people say they were first attracted by the quality, quantity and range of our musical offerings, in both liturgical and concert settings. The Cathedral’s music program is dedicated to facilitating inspirational and transformative experiences through music: both liturgical music connected to the seasons of the church year, and concert performances by local and visiting artists. Our mandate is to maintain and extend the Anglican Cathedral music tradition in this time and place. We have a special commitment to nurture and support young musical talent. We invite you to join us in this work!
A FEW HIGHLIGHTS
Our young choristers program, in conjunction with the Cathedral School, is the only one of its kind in Canada, and one of only a handful in North America. Currently, 14 students in grades 4 through 8 receive $1,000 young chorister scholarships towards their school fees. They attend an hour of intensive choral training four mornings a week, sing Evensong twice a month during the school term and for other special occasions, enjoy tours and other enrichment experiences.
There are three adult choirs at the Cathedral, who sing at three regular services each Sunday, and for many special services throughout the year. In addition to many volunteer choir members, there are approximately twenty choral scholars from the university and conservatory who add to the quality of our music-making, while receiving valuable training and experience. They also benefit from a total of about $30,000 in senior choral scholarships each year.
The Cathedral hosts approximately three dozen concert events per year, many of them co-produced with local and regional musical organizations such as the Victoria Symphony, the University of Victoria, Pacific Baroque, and many others. Performers range from international superstars like pianist Angela Hewitt and organist Ton Koopman, to local and visiting choirs, to up-and-coming young performers. The calendar incudes an annual organ series and a summer recital series.
WHY SHOULD I HELP?
All this activity (and much more) costs a significant amount of money. In addition to scholarships for gifted young musicians, there are payments to: engage regular and occasional performers, commission new works, purchase musical scores, maintain organs and other musical instruments and equipment, etc., etc.
Each year, the Cathedral Music Fund spends close to $150,000 to defray most of the costs of the Cathedral’s music program, except the salary of the Director of Music. This represents a significant “cost avoidance” benefit for the Cathedral’s general operating budget, and makes possible a level of musical activity that would otherwise simply not be possible.
The Cathedral Music Fund grew out of a groundswell of support more than a decade ago, and has grown since then, through the generosity of many benefactors. The fund has three principal sources of revenue: contributions from donors, investment income, and net earnings from concert presentations (via ticket sales, donations at the door, and revenue sharing with production partners).
Recently, a separate Cathedral Music Endowment Fund was established at the Victoria Foundation, to provide a sustainable ongoing source of funds, while ensuring that the capital in the fund is permanently protected. Thanks to a very successful kickoff matching campaign, the value of the Endowment Fund is currently over $100,000 and growing.
HOW CAN I HELP?
We invite you to make a donation to the Christ Church Cathedral Music Fund. Gifts in any amount are very welcome and deeply appreciated.
Representatives of the Music Committee are happy to discuss how your contribution may be used, and the level of donation required to fully underwrite specific initiatives on a one-time or continuing basis; e.g. a young chorister scholarship, a senior choral scholarship, a commissioned carol, etc.
We also invite you to consider making a major gift to the permanently endowed fund, or perhaps a multi-year pledge or a legacy through your estate. Direct transfers of securities can also be arranged, and may have financial planning benefits. Music Committee representatives can explain to you the pros and cons of giving to the Music Fund or the Music Endowment Fund respectively.
The easiest way to donate is by clicking here:
If this is your first time using our on-line facility, you will be asked to provide your e-mail address, so that we can send you a charitable receipt for tax purposes. Your privacy will be protected, and we will not share your information with other organizations.
Other ways to donate:
In person, by telephone or mail through the Cathedral office at 930 Burdett Avenue, V8V 3G8, 250-383-2714. Gifts can be made by cash, cheque, credit or debit. The office can also set up monthly, quarterly or annual payments via credit, debit or direct deposit.
Through the Victoria Foundation to the Christ Church Cathedral Music Endowment Fund.
For more information, or to discuss your specific questions and interests, please contact:
Donald Hunt (Director of Music) at dhunt@christchurchcathedral.bc.ca