New Friends scheme!

As of January 2009 the OAE has a brand new re-launched Friends’ scheme! The new scheme is designed to improve the service we give to Friends and to bring them even closer to the Orchestra's work. We have a member of staff dedicated to the Friends' scheme and we'll also be offering more frequent open rehearsals. We believe the new scheme will be excellent value and we have been careful to compare our rates to those of other comparable schemes across London.

We are hugely indebted to our current Friends, many of whom have been with the Orchestra since it’s founding in 1986. The OAE's success owes profoundly to the encouragement of its audiences and its Friends, those who have patronised its concerts and special events, spread the word to their own friends and associates, and offered their generous financial support. As we do not depend on public subsidy, that support - your support - is particularly critical. Ticket income typically covers only about a third of a concert’s total cost. Yet despite this, we operate without debt, thanks to strong financial management and, most of all, to the generous support of our donors.

We can offer a number of ways for individuals, companies, trusts and foundations to become involved with the Orchestra and support its work. By supporting the OAE, you can help us plan for the future and remain financially secure. As a Friend, you’ll also enable the Orchestra to take on exciting new projects, projects that, while perhaps not financially rewarding, will significantly increase the visibility and prestige of the OAE. That is to say, your support will make a difference.

"My association with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment has been a very special part of my musical life and I look forward to our exciting plans together. I encourage you to support this wonderful group of musicians, one of the world's greatest orchestras, by becoming a Friend of the OAE."
- Sir Simon Rattle

Friends

You can become a Friend of the OAE at any one of five levels: Friend, Bronze Friend, Silver Friend, Gold Friend and Idomeneo Group, which is a special interest group for Opera lovers. We also have a new paid mailing list level which allows members priority booking and starts from only £15 a year. Each level affords its commensurate acknowledgements and suggested donations start at £50 to become a Friend.

Comments from OAE Friends:

“We had a wonderful day at Glyndebourne culminating in the stunning performance in the evening. The OAE played magnificently as always and it was a great privilege and pleasure to be there. Thank you so much – and all the best for the coming season.”

“I cannot remember the last time the conductor has involved the audience quite so much. I loved being told about the works we were about to hear, the link between the Agnus Dei (Coronation Mass) and Dove Sono, facts about the 32nd symphony, etc. etc. It was a wonderful evening. Let's hope word gets round that OAE concerts are unmissable.”

“I enclose a cheque and hope that, one of these years, I will be able to send more as the contribution to my pleasure in life by OAE is priceless!”

“I very much enjoyed the Dress Rehearsal - wonderful singing and the orchestra up to its usual high standard. It was such a privilege to be there and I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and your team for making it possible.”

“I arrived at my first performance by the OAE at Southwark Cathedral last week. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute.”

“How many more musical discoveries can I make in the late years of my life? One thing is certain, most if not all of them will come from the OAE.”

For more information about becoming a Friend of the OAE, please contact us on 020 7239 9380 or e-mail

• To use your donation wisely to foster the Orchestra’s continuing success
• To provide opportunities for you to get to meet the players and understand how the Orchestra works
• To create opportunities for Friends of the OAE to meet
• To ensure that you receive priority when booking tickets for our South Bank series and advance notification of all other OAE concerts
• To send you newsletters and regular updates on the Orchestra’s achievements and its plans
• To welcome you to our South Bank concerts with a complimentary programme from our Friends’ bar (Royal Festival Hall) or Friends’ desk (Queen Elizabeth Hall).
• To foster a bond between the Orchestra and its supporters

To download the new Friends of the OAE brochure in PDF format, click here
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