3 minute read
Sharing exceptional musical experiences
As Scotland’s national music school, we have a responsibility to contribute to the whole fabric of music-making in this country. The activities through which we achieve this are made possible by philanthropic support from a range of donors, including our Honorary Vice President, Gavin Gemmell, CBE, who supports the Edinburgh Masterclass Series, which has introduced some of the world’s leading performers to teachers and pupils across Scotland.
The String and Wind Academies, and now the SCO Youth Academy, which we deliver in partnership with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra also ensure that we reach out to as many aspiring young musicians as possible, involving them in the joy of music-making with St Mary’s Music School.
Advertisement
Introducing the Seven Hills Project
Our most ambitious community project to date is now in development and takes its inspiration from Edinburgh’s distinctive landscape. The Seven Hills Project will be a series of seven short chamber music works commissioned from seven composers with strong connections to Scotland and the School. Over 2021 – 2023 these new works will reach the widest possible community through composition workshops in schools and other venues in Edinburgh and further afield. When the seven new works are ultimately published, this will create an exciting new chamber music resource for the nation. To find out more about how you can support the Project, please turn to the inside back cover.
By means of industry and perseverance, you will rise higher and higher. “
Robert Schumann
Celebrating the arrival of our Steinway Model B
Welcoming a grand investment!
We aim to provide the best possible facilities and equipment for our pupils, staff and visiting performers and it was with great excitement that we welcomed a new Steinway Model B Grand Piano, in January 2019, an investment made possible by a special fundraising initiative led by Director and parent of a former pupil, Kat Heathcote.
With the arrival of this much-needed instrument in the School Chapel, we turned our attention to the fleet of 37 keyboard instruments we have in constant use and realised that ten of our upright rehearsal pianos required urgent replacement. Ahead of the All Steinway School Appeal that we intended to launch at the Spring Concert in March 2020 (postponed due to the pandemic) we received the unexpected (and extremely welcome!) gift of a Steinway Boston upright piano from the Witherby’s Publishing Group Charitable Trust at the Christmas Concert in 2019. The need for new rehearsal pianos had already begun to reach our supporters, and just before lockdown, we were absolutely thrilled when Sally May and Robin Angus provided funds to purchase a Boston Upright in memory of their mother, Sally Angus.
Sharing responsibility for fundraising
We have an ongoing need and responsibility to raise funds to enable us to make appropriate investments in facilities and equipment, and to allow us to share our music-making as widely as possible through events, workshops, masterclasses and outreach activities. We welcome ideas and contributions – large and small – from everyone with a love of music and a connection to the School and we are always delighted to discuss any ways in which you might like to make a gift to St Mary’s Music School.
If you would like to help us raise the funds to purchase one of the remaining eight upright pianos we need or make an unrestricted gift so that your donation can be used where it is needed most, then please contact the Advancement Office by email to discuss your ideas at:
