Legacies

By leaving a gift in your Will to Garsington Opera you’re helping to ensure the future of an organisation you’ve loved during your lifetime. A bequest to Garsington Opera, however modest, is an eloquent and practical act of support. If you let us know that you are leaving a legacy, you will be invited to join the 1989 Society (details below).

"As an only child, music opened the door to a gorgeous and exciting world. Not just soundscapes but stories and adventures to fire the imagination. Mars the Bringer of War, Peter and the Wolf, Hansel and Gretel. To turn down the drive at Wormsley on a perfect summer afternoon is to rediscover that magic. Superlative performances in an idyllic setting, Garsington Opera has given me countless hours of pure escapist delight. A special thrill has been to help talented young singers at the start of their careers - and it is this that I hope to perpetuate by leaving a legacy in my Will. Its effect will ripple down the years and inspire a new generation of dreamers like me."  - Caroline Elderfield

Where does your money go?

Although we advise that legacies are given for the unrestricted support of the organisation, so that it can be used most effectively, we welcome an advisory indication of an area you would particularly like to focus your legacy on. Some suggestions could be: 

General Support Your legacy can go to support our core activities to ensure the highest artistic values can continue to be upheld. Gifts from wills have helped new productions be staged and favourite classics revived. A loved one could be honoured with a bequest in their memory.  

Support our Young Artist Programme Providing essential support to talented young artists at the beginning of their careers. The Programme provides coaching, one-to-one support, performance opportunities and professional seminars to give singers core skills on which to build their future. 

Support our Learning & Participation Programme Garsington Opera’s Learning and Participation programme is acknowledged as a leader in the field, providing an ambitious and wide-ranging participatory series that engages with our diverse local community. Children, adults, school groups and hospital patients benefit from the professional expertise that we provide.  

Support our Productions Contribute to the production of an opera which means something special to you and your family, or create a fund that provides yearly support that ensures our productions retain their high standards.

Support GO≤35 Membership  Help cultivate the opera-lovers of the future by making productions financially accessible to our younger members. GO >35 offers the opportunity for under 35s to attend, as well as encouraging the members to engage with each other throughout the year at opera-related events. Your legacy will ensure that in a changing world an audience exists to enjoy evenings at Wormsley now, as well as into the future.  

The 1989 Society 

Garsington Opera was founded in 1989 at Garsington Manor, the home of Leonard Ingrams. The 1989 Society commemorates Garsington’s heritage and enables it to continue. If you are interested in leaving a legacy to Garsington Opera or have done so already, please let us know in order that we can welcome you to the 1989 Society. Members are invited to attend private rehearsals and to meet the creative team.  

How does it work?

Legacies can be made by way of a gift of cash, shares or property. Your solicitor can advise you on writing your will.  

As Garsington Opera is a registered charity (no. 1003042) no inheritance tax is payable on the amount of your legacy. In certain situations, this may be an effective way of reducing the tax liability of your estate whilst benefiting a favourite charity. 

• Residuary gift: Leave the remainder or a percentage of your estate, once family and friends have been provided for. Many supporters choose to make this type of gift because it keeps its value over time – it isn’t affected by inflation. 

• Pecuniary gift: Specify a particular amount of money. 

Choose the method that suits you 

• Write a will: Best for when you do not have a will already or you’re making major changes such as adding a residuary gift to Garsington Opera 

• Use a codicil: Best for making a small change to your will such as adding a gift of a specific amount to Garsington Opera.

• Letter of wishes: Best for giving personal, non-legally binding directions about your wishes before you next update your will.

For more information on leaving a legacy to Garsington Opera, please contact:

Alison Dunnett
t. 01494 376037
e. membership@garsingtonopera.org

Read more: Legacy support for future generations