Statement from the MSO:
“Our heartfelt thanks to John Gandel AC and Pauline Gandel AC and Gandel Foundation for their generous and inspiring support with the recent announcement of a Flagship Grant to support the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s International Engagement activities through the MSO’s Now & Forever Future Fund.
This exciting initiative enables the MSO to further extend our international reach, perform on the global stage, engage international artists, and sustain our long-standing reputation as key cultural ambassadors for Australia.”
This special gift was celebrated at MSO’s Mid-Season Gala, attended by Gandel Foundation’s Deputy Chairman Graham Goldsmith AO with wife Deborah Goldsmith, Gandel Foundation Director Barry Fradkin OAM and CEO Vedran Drakulić OAM, pictured with international guest artist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, MSO Chair David Li AM, Managing Director, Sophie Galaise and Chair of MSO International Advisory Board, Michael Ullmer AO.
In announcing the grant, John and Pauline Gandel sent a special message:
“The MSO plays a vitally important role in enriching our lives, and by connecting internationally they also help Australians to have that important window to the rest of the world – and experience the best it has to offer.
We wish the MSO all the very best in their activities, and we are excited and honoured to be involved in helping secure their future – and we encourage others to do the same! By joining forces and building their endowment fund we can all play a role in strengthening the MSO for generations to come.”