Orchestra London Capital and Endowment Campaign

The Mandate

Orchestra London is planning to initiate an integrated capital and endowment fundraising campaign in the fall of 2004.  The total goal of $3 million will include a $1.5 million endowment fund for education and community outreach, and several smaller amounts toward urgent capital replacement needs (percussion equipment, library materials, office infrastructure), and working capital for important projects (staged opera, choral ensemble development, performing arts centre studies).

The Orchestra is seeking assistance from a fundraising consultant in completing the planning, preparation and start-up components of our campaign.  This stage is known internally as Phase I – Readiness.

Orchestra London’s capital and endowment campaign will add resources for immediate short-term needs, sustain long-term community development and set the stage for a major initiative to build a Performing Arts Centre. The time frame will be approximately 2 to 3 years.

The campaign will involve several phases. The initial Phase 1 – Readiness will be a well-defined and developed case for support and a full plan, with lead volunteers and potential donors identified, and a proposed structure to carry out the program.  Ideally, some leadership gifts would be identified or confirmed.

A full and comprehensive campaign plan will be presented for approval before proceeding with the main solicitation phases.  Orchestra London may require professional assistance for the subsequent phases as well.

Orchestra London plans to initiate Phase I immediately and complete the process by November.

Deadline for Proposal Submissions

Proposals must be received at the Orchestra London office by Friday, September 10, 2004.  Please send six hard copies to Capital Campaign Committee, Orchestra London, 520 Wellington Street, London  ON   N6A 3R1.  Please also send by email to [email protected]. 

Proposals should address how you would prepare Orchestra London to begin active solicitation by the fall of 2004, including your approach to the following elements:
1.      Assessment of Orchestra London’s fund raising history.
2.      Assessment of development operations effectiveness and capacity.
3.      Preparation of a description of funding needs and future plans.
4.      Data analysis and comparison with similar organizations.
5.      A comprehensive prescriptive report, campaign plan and start-up,

Initial Interviews will be held with the Orchestra London campaign task team. 

View current Director of Major Gifts listing.

Background – Draft Capital Campaign Framework

Background - About Orchestra London

MISSION

To enhance the quality of life in the region through distinctive and inspirational performances of classical and a wide variety of other orchestral music.  We undertake to support and foster Canadian performing and creative musical talent and to provide leadership and resources in the musical education of our communities.  We are committed to delivering the highest standards in all of our programming and correspondingly to developing broad-based financial support, to ensure the sustainability of the Orchestra as a critical resource. 

As we strive to fulfill this mission, we are guided by the following principles:

1.             Be open and transparent to the community.
2.             Be customer focused to ensure the long life of orchestral performances.
3.             Maintain world-class standards.
4.             Be fiscally strong and responsible.
5.             Be consensus driven and foster open communication.
6.             Be goal-oriented.
7.             Make well-informed decisions with integrity.
8.             Be a learning organization striving to improve.
9.             Continuously develop strong leaders and musicians.
10.           Have a visible passion for sharing the love of orchestral music.

HISTORY

Orchestra London Canada Inc. is a non-profit, professional performing organization in its 54th season providing the community of London and Southwestern Ontario with the joyous sounds of a symphony orchestra.  From modest beginnings in the 1930’s as a community orchestra, the original composition of its musicians were teachers, business persons, homemakers and students who played music as a hobby.  It progressed through incorporation in 1957 to fully professional status in 1975. 

Under the guidance, direction and creativity of many dynamic conductors, such as Martin Boundy (1949-1969), Clifford Evens (1969-1979), Uri Mayer (1988-94), Simon Streatfeild (1999-2000), and Timothy Vernon (2000 to present), the orchestra has matured and developed artistically over the years.  Orchestra London has been honoured to share the stage with such renowned guest artists and conductors as Jon Vickers, Sir Ernest MacMillan, Louis Lortie, James Ehnes, Mario Bernardi, Scott St. John and Jon Kimura Parker.  For several performers Orchestra London provided a platform to showcase their talents during the early stages of their careers.

Since the addition of the The Pops! Series in 1959, to the presentation of Operas in concert format, to the current Red Hot Weekends featuring classic rock with orchestral accompaniment, Orchestra London Canada takes pride in being able to bring music to all members of the community and continues the tradition of being an educational, as well as an outreach organization.

ARTISTIC ROLE

Orchestra London’s existence provides the artistic community of Southwestern Ontario and Canada with the skills and talents of highly trained professional musicians.  Their expertise and knowledge not only provides audiences with the opportunity to experience high calibre live performances of some of the greatest works of symphonic repertoire, but they are also inspiring artistic development in younger generations.  Whenever possible, Orchestra London seeks to promote the talents of young up and coming Canadian artists, conductors and composers. Orchestra London is a member of Orchestras Canada and the London Arts Council; our musicians are members of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 279. 

CONSTITUENCY

Given the number of orchestras in southwestern Ontario, our geographical catchment area is primarily a 100 kilometre radius around London.  We have placed and will continue to place, an emphasis on servicing the needs of that area through regular concerts, education and outreach activities.  Education concerts have taken place in London, Tillsonburg, St.Thomas, Strathroy, West Lorne, and Alymer.  Community concerts have taken place in London, Tillsonburg, West Lorne and St. Thomas.  Performances from our regular concert series have taken place in Chatham, Barrie and Goderich.

CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY

London, Ontario is fortunate to have a pool of highly skilled and often well-known talented musicians.  Organizations, such as the Don Wright Faculty of Music at the University of Western Ontario and the local Kiwanis Festival of Music, help to nurture and sustain these valuable performers.  Orchestra London builds on their foundation by presenting these artists with the opportunity to be guest artists or soloists during our concert season.  The orchestra also often collaborates with local professional choirs during our regular concert programming, and with local amateur choirs or students through our Community Music Program.  In conjunction with both public and separate school boards, the orchestra presents an Education Series which supports teachers in fulfilling their classroom expectations for the Ontario Curriculum for The Arts.  Each year Orchestra London donates tickets to local charities to assist them with their fundraising endeavours or as rewards for volunteers efforts.

Mail:   Orchestra London
          520 Wellington Street
          London, ON  N6A 3R1
Email: [email protected]

View current Director of Major Gifts listing.

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