Oxford Phil has recently received its second legacy pledge. David Shirley, founder member of our new Legacy Society, says:

"By providing concerts of the highest professional standards and through its organisation of the Summer Piano festival, Oxford Philomusica plays a vital role in maintaining Oxford as one of the world’s foremost cultural centres. However every first-class orchestra relies on its sponsors and supporters to fill a financial gap in the region of £30,000 per concert. The less affluent among us cannot help as much as we can in our lifetime, but we might feel that ensuring the continuity of this wonderful orchestra would be a better purpose for our legacy ... I am happy to think that after my death I shall be providing at least one of those magical evenings which have given me so much pleasure"

A legacy is one of the simplest and most flexible ways of making your gift, and may allow you to support the orchestra in a way in which you may not be able to during your lifetime. The tax benefits of such a gift are considerable – Oxford Philomusica is a registered charity, so all bequests can be made free from inheritance tax.

Consider including us in your will to help ensure the orchestra keeps producing worldclass music for generations to come. We encourage you to speak to a solicitor when writing your will or codicil.

Your bequest can be made in a variety of ways. Whether in the form of a residual legacy, a specifically allocated sum or a proportion of your estate, your gift will be put to excellent use in the development of Oxford Philomusica.

Benefits include:

• Name recognition in programme and brochure
• Invitation to the Legacy Society annual event

Please note that there will be a reduced rate of Inheritance Tax of 36 per cent from April 2012 for estates leaving a legacy to charity. If you leave 10 per cent or more of your estate to charity, then the government will take 10 per cent off your Inheritance Tax rate.

To speak in confidence about your options for legacy giving to Oxford Philomusica please contact Simon Payne, Development Manager.