Each year, the MSO is fortunate to receive grants from various trusts and foundations. Provided as single or multi-year grants, this vital funding supports vital programs and initiatives, both on and off the stage.
Crucially, our philanthropic partners enable the MSO to deliver quality music experiences to the community we serve, such as the subsidisation of tickets for students and young people, and supporting our regional touring and artist development programs
Profiling the Cybec Foundation
The Cybec Foundation: Celebrating an immeasurable investment in Australian artist development
For 20 years, the Cybec Foundation has been a loyal and generous supporter of the MSO. Addressing the need for hands-on professional development opportunities for emerging Australian artists, the Foundation’s support enabled the creation of the MSO's nationally-recognised Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers program in 2003. This flagship initiative has become an exemplar for artist development programs within the sector and to date, the program has assisted more than 80 Australian composers in their artistic pursuits.
Extending the program, each year one Cybec Young Composer in Residence is selected to join MSO’s Artistic Family for the following year. In a one-year residency, this person is offered further commissions and mentoring with their works showcased throughout the year.
Also thanks to funding from the Cybec Foundation, in 2017 the MSO created the position of Cybec Assistant Conductor. Another key role within the MSO’s Artistic Family, this intensive two-year residency is a highly competitive and prestigious addition to career development opportunities for Australia’s most promising emerging professional conductors.
Read more about the celebration of 20 years with the Cybec Foundation here, and in the MSO’s Encore Magazine here.
Profiling the Gandel Foundation
The Gandel Foundation: Celebrating a legacy of generosity to secure the MSO’s future
The Gandel Foundation has been a long-term and committed partner of the MSO. Recently, a flagship gift from the Gandel Foundation to the MSO’s Now and Forever Future Fund was instrumental in transforming the MSO’s commitment to building healthy, enduring reserves to enable game-changing international engagement. This generous support enabled the MSO to successfully extend our international reach, perform on the global stage, engage international artists, and sustain our long-standing reputation as key cultural ambassadors for Australia.
In announcing the grant, John Gandel AC stated:
“The MSO plays a vitally important role in enriching our lives, and by connecting internationally they also help Australians to have that important window to the rest of the world - and experience the best it has to offer. We wish the MSO all the very best in their activities, and we are excited and honoured to be involved in helping secure their future - and we encourage others to do the same! By joining forces and building their endowment fund we can all play a role in strengthening the MSO for generations to come.”
As the first outcome of the funding, the MSO embarked on a landmark bilateral orchestral exchange program through a ground-breaking new partnership with the London Symphony Orchestra. To see more about how the Gandel Foundation’s flagship support is enabling MSO to flourish on the global stage, please see this short video.
Current Trusts and Foundations
See the Trusts and Foundations currently supporting us.
Contact us
For more information, please contact:
Catherine Hempenstall, External Affairs – Grants & Reporting Lead
Phone: 0490 002 043
Email: hempenstallc@mso.com.au
