JS Bach's forebears (PDF) - Academy of Ancient Music

Supporting the Academy of Ancient Music
We live in a world of worthy causes. Why
support an orchestra like the AAM?
For centuries, people have understood the
importance of culture. The arts enrich society and
change lives. They help to make life worth living.
For centuries, people have also understood that
culture is costly, and that it can only thrive if
those who are in a position to sustain it do so
generously. The music which the AAM performs
only ever came into being because of a culture
of patronage: Monteverdi was supported for
much of his career by the Duke of Mantua; JS
Bach composed many of his instrumental
masterpieces while employed at the courts of
Weimar and Köthen; and Haydn’s 104
symphonies may never have been written had
he not enjoyed the backing of the Esterházy
family. The music of these great composers —
and of many others besides — stands as
testament not only to individual genius, but also
The AAM Society
The AAM Society is the orchestra’s closest group
of regular supporters. Membership ranges from
£250–£20,000+ per annum — or from £100 per
annum for Young Supporters — given either as a
lump sum or by regular donations. Members’
contributions provide the vital core funding
required if the orchestra is to continue to
perform.
Society members enjoy a very close involvement
with the life of the AAM. After performances in
London, members dine with the director, soloists
and AAM musicians. They have a chance to
become a part of orchestral life behind the
scenes by sitting in on rehearsals for concerts and
recordings. At least once each year they have the
opportunity to accompany the orchestra on an
international tour — next month, for example,
forty will travel with the AAM and the Choir of
King’s College, Cambridge on a tour of The
Netherlands.
16 ACADEMY OF ANCIENT MUSIC, 2010-2011 SEASON
to support from the wealthy which enabled
them to realise their potential.
Over the centuries, successive generations of
philanthropists created and sustained the
orchestras and choirs which kept this music alive.
It is their legacy which we inherit today.
For a time, it seemed that the future of the arts in
Britain would be taken care of by the state; that
the need for support from generous individuals
was a thing of the past. For better or worse,
those days are long gone. The Academy of
Ancient Music does not receive any regular
public funding, and income from ticket sales
will fall short of covering the full cost of
sustaining the orchestra by at least £400,000
this year.
The future of ancient music lies in the hands of a
new generation of philanthropists.
Those gving over £1,000 per year receive
invitations to regular recitals and other special
events held at the homes of fellow members.
Those giving over £5,000 per year have the
opportunity to sponsor a specific position in the
orchestra, and are invited to join the Council of
Benefactors, a forum which will meet annually to
receive an update on the orchestra’s performance
from the Chief Executive and Chairman.
Tax efficient giving
Because the AAM is a charity, gifts from UK
taxpayers can be made in a tax efficient manner
under the Giftaid scheme.The cost of a gift to the
donor can be as little as half of its value to the
AAM. The orchestra can claim back from the
HMRC the basic rate tax already paid by the
donor, and higher and additional rate taxpayers
can claim tax relief on the difference between the
basic rate and the applicable rate of income tax: