How do I leave a legacy?

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Invest in our future by leaving a legacy

A donation to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is a wonderful tribute to anyone who loves music. By remembering the CBSO in your will you will ensure that future generations will benefit from your own musical legacy. Every contribution - large or small, restricted or unrestricted - will bring pleasure to music-lovers, enable us to realise extraordinary projects and help shape the future of our world-class orchestra.

Making a will is easy and can be done at relatively low cost. By creating a will, you will be safe in the knowledge that your wishes will be carried out after you're gone. If your estate is liable to inheritance tax, by including charitable donations you could reduce the amount of tax owed.

Benefits of leaving a legacy

An optional credit in concert programmes and on the website as a Bequest Patron
Opportunities to join the CBSO on international tours
Opportunities to experience education projects in schools and communities across the region
Advance concert information with priority booking
Invitations to special members' events, including afternoon teas and organised trips, with the opportunity to meet CBSO players, visiting soloists and conductors
Invitation to the annual 'thank you' reception
Opportunities to attend open rehearsals at Symphony Hall
A copy of our quarterly magazine MusicStand to keep you up to date with the CBSO's latest activities
Discounts on CDs at select retailers

What our Bequest Patrons say...

"We've always felt that our will should reflect what's been important in our lives, and music is one of those things. The CBSO is something we are really proud to be involved with - and what a fabulous contribution it makes to the quality of life in this city. While we love coming to concerts we are also very interested to know about the work the Orchestra is doing in schools and hospitals and with groups of young people. When we updated our wills we made sure there was a proportion there for the CBSO so that, however much that legacy finally amounts to, it will help the Orchestra - especially in its wider work." Anonymous Bequest Patron

How to leave a legacy

When creating a new will, we advise you to seek professional advice. After working out the value of your estate (the sum of your property, money and possessions minus outstanding mortgage and loans) decide who you want to benefit from your will - include family, friends and any charities or good causes. It is advisable to leave percentages, rather than specific amounts, as money will depreciate with time. Appoint executers to administer your will, they could either be friends or your solicitor, but must not be a beneficiary. Make sure your will is signed and witnessed by two people who are not included as beneficiaries.

It is important to review your will on a regular basis. Should you wish to make small amendments then you will need to create a codicil. Like your will, the codicil will need to be signed and witnessed and should be kept alongside the original will. Again, we suggest you consult legal advice to ensure the legitimacy of your codicil.

If you have decided to leave a gift to the CBSO you automatically have the opportunity to become a Bequest Patron and receive the associated benefits. We would love you to tell us that you have included us in your will, so that we can thank you during your lifetime. Please contact Eve Smith on 0121 616 6533 / esmith@cbso.co.uk to arrange this.

Thank you to our Bequest Patrons!