San Francisco Conservatory of Music Meets Phyllis Wattis $2.5 Million Challenge
Conservatory Reaches Important Benchmark in Campaign for Move to Civic CenterSAN FRANCISCO, CA October 23, 2003 —
The San Francisco Conservatory of Music has met the late Phyllis Wattis’$2.5 million challenge before the December 31, 2002 deadline. The $2.5 million lead-off amount was part of a $9 million one for one matching challenge grant by the late Phyllis Wattis, the Bernard Osher Foundation and the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation that was announced in February 2002.
Colin Murdoch, president of the Conservatory says, "I am thrilled that we have met this challenge before the deadline; it demonstrates incredible support for our Campaign for the new Conservatory at the Civic Center. We are privileged to have shared in the generosity and passion that Mrs.Wattis brought to the arts." The Conservatory has raised nearly $35 million of its $65 million fundraising goal. This challenge has been pivotal in securing significant grants from several prestigious local and national foundations.
Mrs. Wattis was a visionary and recognized that the symphony, opera and ballet orchestras of tomorrow depended on the musicians who are being educated at conservatories today. She established two endowed scholarship funds at the Conservatory that have given many students the opportunity to pursue programs in areas where there is traditionally limited scholarship support.
"It is a great show of confidence and interest in the new Conservatory that we have met this challenge so quickly and we are looking forward to continuing this momentum. We have made a strong commitment to our students and the City to provide the very best in music education – and it is a commitment that is shared by many organizations and individuals," comments Nancy Sackson, Vice President of Advancement.
Founded in 1917, San Francisco Conservatory of Music offers music programs to graduate and undergraduate students, preparatory and adult extension classes and community enrichment programs. The Conservatory presents over 360 public performances a year, reflecting the world-class talent of students, faculty, alumni and visiting artists. The Conservatory is relocating to expanded and refurbished facilities at 50 Oak Street, at the Civic Center. These new facilities will provide students, faculty and the Bay Area community with access to premiere musical resources in the heart of downtown.
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Press Contact:
Carla Pasqualini
Director of Marketing and Communications
415.759.3415
cjp@sfcm.edu
