Arts organisations band together

Media Release
for immediate release
20 July 2006

Arts organisations band together

Fundraising is a major part of life for New Zealand arts organisations. In a first for both the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Chamber Music New Zealand (CMNZ), the two organisations combined forces and expertise this week for the “Loft Soiree Fundraiser”.

Arts supporter Noel Robinson (recently awarded a Distinguished Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for services to business and the community) generously offered his architecturally award-winning Loft for the soiree, and the event was gifted to the APO and CMNZ by arts patrons Ron and Margaret Saunders. At a recent CMNZ auction the Saunders bid for the opportunity to hold their own private function in the Loft for 80 guests. And at an APO auction they successfully bid for a Flute and Harp Duo from the APO… so the Loft Soiree was born.

Eighty guests enjoyed fine Villa Maria wine, delicious food from Food Fashions, and beautiful music from APO principal musicians, Rebecca Harris (harp) and Katherine Bowie (flute). A mini auction was held in the course of the evening featuring a select number of creative items, many unable to be purchased, and raising in excess of $20,000 for the two organisations.

CEO of CMNZ, Euan Murdoch, said “forming closer ties and ongoing partnerships with other major arts presenters has been one of the main priorities in my new role as CEO. Working as a colleague with Barbara at the APO, who is also new to her role, is an extra incentive to make these connections. I was delighted with the evening and humbled by the generosity of the Auckland arts patrons who attended. The funds raised will be used to continue to promote and present the very best chamber music nationwide.”

Barbara Glaser, CEO of the APO, said she was very pleased to have had this opportunity to work with another key New Zealand arts organisation to raise funds together. “I feel strongly that it can only be for the good that we find opportunities to work together in this way,” she said. “The Loft Soiree demonstrated a fantastic synergy and brought our organisations even closer together. The Orchestra needs to rely on the support of our donors and we are very grateful that they have been so generous. The funds will certainly be put to good use in assisting us to present the large number of concerts we present year-round in Auckland.”

ENDS

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