KURT MASUR FUND FOR THE PHILHARMONIC
To recognize Kurt Masur's extraordinary contributions to the New York Philharmonic and to honor his achievements in helping to develop new conducting talent worldwide, the Board of Directors of the Philharmonic established the Kurt Masur Fund for the Philharmonic within the orchestra's endowment.

This fund is modeled after a similar fund that was created to honor Zubin Mehta in 1990. The Zubin Mehta Fund for the Orchestra, which originally raised about $670,000, is currently worth about $1.5 million and produces a draw of about $80,000, which helps to underwrite the orchestra's chamber music series at Merkin Concert Hall. The Zubin Mehta Fund was created with gifts from Board members, individuals, foundations, and orchestra and staff contributions.

The purpose of the Kurt Masur Fund for the Philharmonic is to help develop new symphonic conductors. The annual draw from the Fund is used to underwrite a yearly concert series featuring a conductor debut and in December 2002, the noted young Finnish conductor, Sakari Oramo, made his Philharmonic debut under the auspices of the Kurt Masur Fund.

A generous leadership gift of $150,000 was pledged anonymously when the Fund was established – but came with one condition – that the Philharmonic raise an additional $600,000 to bring the Fund's total to $750,000. $500,000 of this match has already been raised and the Philharmonic is seeking additional gifts to raise the extra amount needed to release the matching funds.

To contribute to the Kurt Masur Fund for the Philharmonic, please contact Elizabeth McColgan at 212-875-5682 or email her at Mccolgane@nyphil.org