25th Anniversary Appeal

 

The Yorke Trust has launched a 25th anniversary appeal to enable it to continue its work in the years ahead.
A brochure is available that outlines the work of the Trust and its fundraising objectives.
This can be viewed by clicking the image below; printed copies can be obtained by mail.
The appeal closes in 2011.

 

PRESS RELEASE, 31ST JULY 2009

£1M APPEAL LAUNCHED BY THE YORKE TRUST

 

 

Contacts: Elisabeth Wilson (Trustee) 07905-849763; The Yorke Trust 01328-823501

Today, The Yorke Trust launches a major fundraising appeal on the opening night of its twentieth summer opera performance; this year of Rameau’s Castor et Pollux in St Mary’s Church, South Creake, Norfolk.

 

It aims to raise £1m by 2011, the Trust’s 25th anniversary, to enable it to continue its work of transforming the lives of musically talented students and children. The appeal also re-launches the Trust’s musical centre with pride and confidence in its third decade.

 

The fundraising drive is announced to a full house at tonight’s opera performance by Rodney Slatford OBE, Chairman of The Yorke Trust. The performance itself promises to be a triumph and offers yet more unforgettable proof of what can be done with young talent.

 

Rodney will invite individuals, foundations, charitable trusts and businesses to dig deep in order to ensure the Yorke Trust can continue its work. Donations big and small will be welcomed - £500 will support a student on a summer opera course; £15K will underwrite a summer opera project for one year; £100K will create the post of Musician in Residence for a five-year period, both to help run current projects and to oversee an enhanced teaching and performing programmes at The Creake Centre.

 

The Yorke Trust is a unique charity that provides an opportunity for students and children from all walks of life to study and perform an opera or oratorio and it does this virtually free of charge. The courses take place in the un-pressurised atmosphere of the North Norfolk countryside, away from the competitive environment of university and school. Its numerous musical performances, both modern and traditional over the years, have always played to full capacity audiences.

 

The distinguished counter tenor Michael Chance writes: ‘…South Creake Church. actually, a perfect setting. The proximity of audience to performers, the sense of involvement with the drama of the story, and with the drama of the music-making, in a church are infectious – it was striking how focussed all the singers were – obviously very well rehearsed. Rodney’s achievements are awe-inspiring. As an eminent ex-performer, he knows what musicians (and singers) like in their working environment – working intensely is always welcome when standards are high, and when one is well fed! This is what Festivals should always be like...’