What would Mozart do? Funding the Vienna Boys Choir during Covid - 19

Problem solver, entrepreneur, innovator, creator. What would Mozart do during Covid-19, past, present and future? He would make a legacy – and legacies need money.

Video: Vienna Boys Choir Fundraising Drive

 I can’t think of an organisation as recognised and inspirational to music education and the power of children in the arts as the Vienna Boys Choir.

 Try it – when you think of Austria, what are three things that come to mind?

For me: Vienna Boys Choir, Lipizzaner Horses, and Strauss. For you it may be the Sound of Music, Sacher Torte and mountains – but I believe most of you thought of the Vienna Boys Choir.

 During Covid, as the following video by Vienna Boys Choir president Gerald Wirth will tell you, this 522- year old institution is in financial hardship. Over 116 concerts cancelled. They are NOT government funded. And even in the future, should this happen, government support may only be for education. Not the tours, not the innovation, not the inspiration, not the planning, nor outreach and marketing.  Vienna Boys Choir NEEDs the funds to continue to promote and inspire. It needs the funds to continue to showcase these courageous and talented children FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, to tour online, in person, in masterclasses and educational outreach.

 Because, some child, somewhere, wonders, “Could that be me?” And yes, the Vienna Boys Choir answers “yes”. The faces and voices of VBC are clearly representing diversity and inclusion in new religions, new ideas, new cultures, new music. Clearly connecting themselves through the power of children to build cultural bridges and friendships. Simultaneously staying true to tradition while being an exceptional institution of children dedicated to learning, performing and representing the power of music.

 So what would Mozart do? Just what the Vienna Boys Choir is doing now. Embrace change, find funding and persevere no matter the obstacles.

 Need an idea for a fundraiser for your school performance – online or offline? Living in Austria and need a tax- free donation?  You want to give because now, more than ever, arts organisations, such as this beloved institution are endangered.

I give because I’ve seen first-hand the magic that their performances, masterclasses, outreach and workshops inspire in music education. I’ve seen it in the eyes, voices and efforts of thousands of children inspired to sing and keep music in their lives. You give because when they are back on tour, in masterclasses and outreach, online or in person you want your children to see them, hear them, and wait for them to ask YOU (parent, friend, conductor, educator) , “Could that be Me?”

 There are two ways to donate to the Vienna Boys Choir:

Philanthropy.wsk.at

Vienna Boys Choir Website and Donations

 Video: Vienna Boys Choir Fundraising Drive

 Please forward this post, or at least their video widely. You can follow their rehearsals, progress, classes and more at their website to stay connected.

 Christine Matovich is a performing arts educator, arts administrator, choral director, singer and cellist currently working at the International School of Stuttgart in Sindelfingen where she also coordinates arts outreach.