This is the largest single donation in the Symphony’s 67-year history.
Mark and Roy Chambers-Bray
Santa Cruz Symphony has just been given an unrestricted donation of $1 million from Mark Chambers-Bray in memory of Roy Chambers-Bray. It is the largest single donation in the organization’s 67-year history.
“Roy and Mark have been longtime supporters of the Symphony,” said Gary Reece, Executive Director. “They have been valued board members of our organization and of our auxiliary, the Symphony League. And they have been zealous about hosting fundraisers, housing our musicians, providing leadership to both organizations, and lending a helping hand wherever needed. Even so, we were quite surprised by the significance of this gift. Our gratitude cannot be expressed enough. But we can ensure that the funds will be used wisely and effectively.”
The donation comes at a time when arts organizations across the U.S. are falling short of their funding goals. Many longtime corporate and foundation donors have shifted their focus to social issues, and the arts are often struggling now to find patrons. The Symphony is one of those entities that have seen their funding sources turning elsewhere.
“Of course, that presents challenges to organizations such as the Santa Cruz Symphony,” said Dr. Deborah Bronstein, Board President. “So, we are incredibly grateful to Mark and Roy for planning this bequest. The funds will be invested with guidance from our financial advisers so we can continue to use the proceeds for as long as possible.”
The Chambers-Bray donation will help support the operating expenses of the symphony, such as increasing musician compensation, staff salaries, production costs, publishing, marketing, and other activities essential to maintaining a professional orchestra. Few people realize that ticket sales only account for less than 30% of the cost of keeping live classical music a reality.
Mr. Reece noted that music education is a priority for the Santa Cruz Symphony and this gift will also support those programs. For several years, the Symphony has sent professional musicians into elementary schools in Santa Cruz and northern Monterey Counties. In conjunction with Carnegie Hall’s LinkUp Program, the Symphony also provides free teaching materials and curricula for teachers; ukuleles and recorders for student music lessons; and short recordings of classical music to help students transition from recess to the classroom. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is also a partner.
The Symphony concludes the LinkUp Program with popular concerts for fourth- and fifth-grade students at the Mello Center in Watsonville and the Civic Auditorium in Santa Cruz. These come at no charge to the students or the schools. In total, the Symphony invests close to $200,000 each year into the LinkUp Program. While it is partially supported by its major program sponsor the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and other generous sponsors, these funds do not cover the entire cost of the program.
“Despite the challenges that all arts organizations face,” said Mr. Reece, “our last concert season was outstanding. In fact, our Pops Concert in June was sold out, our Bach concert with Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus increased 44 percent over last year, and overall attendance for the season increased by 25 percent. This upcoming season will include a tribute to Shakespeare, along with something new – holiday concerts in December.”
Mark and Roy Chambers-Bray had included this gift as part of their estate planning. Roy passed away in May, setting the bequest in motion.