The VV Silver Trust

Throughout our 27 years, we’ve been reluctant fundraisers.  For the first decade or so we didn’t even apply for grants, thinking it should be possible to live off concert income.  Thus we’ve never before solicited donations or had a fee-paying friends’ group.  However, while our audiences have grown massively, discerning concertgoers now expect attractive publicity, comfortable central venues and of course professional-quality music – understandable, but expensive.  And income from ticket sales alone falls well short.

During our 25th anniversary year (2010) we decided we'd quite like to survive for another 25 years – at least!  More than that, we want to thrive, so we can afford to mount innovative cappella and orchestral concerts, pay for the best venues and soloists, and keep what we do fresh, alive and sustainable. To do that, we need a secure financial base.

Therefore in May 2010 we launched a one-time drive to raise a capital sum that will help fund the choir over the next two-and-a-half decades, and beyond.  Money raised so far has been vested in a trust – newly established and with charitable status – called, appropriately, the VV Silver Trust, whose sole purpose is to assist the choir each year in funding its busy programme.

As of January 2012, 86 people were on  the Silver List. We are extremely grateful for their generosity and have told them so.  Moreover we are still accepting contributions and would ask that, if you’ve enjoyed our work over the years and want to enjoy more of it, or if you’re just keen to encourage lively and accessible concert-giving, you might consider making a one-off donation to the Trust.

Contributions of any amount are warmly welcomed, and acknowledged by letter and with receipt. The Trust has charitable status and donations are therefore eligible for a tax credit of 33 cents in the dollar. You can phone us on 0800 VIVA VOCE (8482 8623) or email us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . A copy of the brochure can be downloaded here.

The Silver List will be updated regularly here on the website and published in its latest form in the first programme of Viva Voce’s 2012 Subscription Series.

As we say, we haven’t asked before, and the next time might be during our golden anniversary year!

See who our Silver Trust Benefactors are on the Silver List here.