MMF Receives Major Capital Gift
To further support and enhance the long-term success of the Manchester Music Festival (MMF), The James H. and Irene M. Hunter Charitable Trust has awarded the organization a $295,000 capital grant. This capital grant is designed to provide extended long-term support for MMF, primarily to bring additional top-quality artists to the MMF Summer Festival.
The investment earnings from MMF’s endowment support a portion of its annual expenses, and this gift will increase that support substantially. Upon receipt of the gift, Adam Neiman, MMF Artistic Director, said, “This remarkable gift positions Manchester Music Festival to move toward the top ranks of American chamber music festivals. As artistic director, I am enormously excited about the opportunity we have been provided to expand our programming potential, deepen our regional and national impact, and propel the festival forward for decades to come.”
A large portion of the new gift, $250,000, is designated as the James and Irene Hunter Fund for Visiting Artists. Funds available from investing this endowment fund, which should be available beginning in 2019 and annually thereafter, are restricted to support professional fees and related expenses such as transportation and housing for guest artists at MMF’s Summer Festival. The remaining $45,000 grant to MMF’s endowment can be used for any purpose designated by MMF’s board and should also generate annual support for the Summer Festival.
Further, MMF has the prospect that this capital addition could increase to a total of $385,000 with the completion of a $45,000 capital campaign that will be matched 1:1 by the Hunter Charitable Trust. In the new year, MMF is beginning its campaign call for matching capital donations with the goal to raise the $45,000 needed to earn the match prior to the beginning of the 2018 Festival in July.
President of Manchester Music Festival Peggie Telscher said, “This generous gift allows us to continue to attract top talent from around the globe. The caliber of our concerts continues to grow and we couldn’t be prouder of the work that our artistic director, Adam Neiman, has put in over the past two seasons. This kind of support for the arts and chamber music is critical in both its preservation and evolution and we are so honored to be the recipients of such a significant grant.”
Manchester Music Festival is a non-profit organization that offers top classical music performance and music education to engage the public and encourage the enjoyment of this art form. Its programming is centered around its five-week summer festival which welcomes guest artists from around the world to perform on Thursday and Saturday evenings. On Sundays, concerts from MMF’s vigorous Young Artists Program showcase talented new musicians who are in-residence throughout the summer and receive private coaching from faculty.
More information on the programs and work of Manchester Music Festival is available on its website. Donations to the matching challenge fund can be made at mmfvt.org or by mail to Manchester Music Festival, PO Box 33, Manchester, VT 05254.