Create a Legacy
“Music has been such a focus in my life that I felt compelled to leave a legacy to the Victoria Conservatory of Music.”
Gary Karr (1941–2025)
Renowned Double Bassist • Honorary Chair, Encore Legacy Society
Legacy In Action
For five years, Gary Karr served as Chair of the Encore Legacy Society, sharing his extraordinary generosity, leadership, and vision. A world-renowned artist and devoted educator, Gary believed deeply in nurturing the next generation of musicians.
In his honour, the Young Artists Collegium Program is now the Gary Karr Young Artists Performance Academy, ensuring his passion for mentorship and musical excellence continues to inspire future generations.
Gary’s legacy reminds us that a planned gift is more than a contribution — it is a lasting expression of values, carried forward through music.
Create a Legacy Through Music
Music has the power to shape lives — and your legacy can ensure that power continues for generations to come.
By including the Victoria Conservatory of Music in your estate plans, you create a lasting gift that supports exceptional music education, nurtures creativity, and removes barriers to access for students of all ages and backgrounds. Your legacy will help ensure that music remains a vibrant and essential part of our community well into the future.
Why Leave a Legacy Gift?
A legacy gift is a meaningful way to reflect your values and passions. It allows you to make a profound impact without changing your day-to-day life, while providing long-term stability for the Conservatory.
Legacy gifts help the Conservatory:
- Expand access to music education through outreach and youth programs.
- Support scholarships and financial assistance for students.
- Sustain excellence in teaching and programming.
- Preserve and grow the Conservatory’s impact for future generations.
Your generosity today becomes opportunity, inspiration, and joy tomorrow.
Ways to Create Your Legacy
There are several thoughtful and flexible ways to include the Conservatory in your legacy plans:
- A gift in your will (bequest).
- A named endowment fund.
- Gifts of securities or other assets.
- Life insurance or retirement plan designations.
You may choose to designate your gift for a specific purpose or allow it to be used where the need is greatest.
A Lasting Foundation: Operating Endowment Fund
A gift to the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Operating Endowment Fund ensures sustainability today and into the future, providing a solid foundation for us to pursue our timeless mission. All donations to this permanently endowed fund are held at the Victoria Foundation and matched in part by Canadian Heritage through the Canada Cultural Investment Fund, Endowment Incentives Component. Your gift will have a much greater impact, ensuring a steady annual income to support our programming and heritage building. Read about the program here: Federal matching opportunity helps lift the Arts in Greater Victoria – Victoria Foundation.
Sample Bequest Wording
The following language may be helpful when working with your legal or financial advisor:
“I give, devise, and bequeath to the Victoria Conservatory of Music, registered charity number 11882 1934 RR0001, the sum of $_______ (or ___% of my estate, or the residue of my estate), to be used at the discretion of the Board of Directors.”
We encourage you to seek professional advice when preparing or updating your estate plans.
Start the Conversation
Considering a legacy gift is a personal decision, and we’re here to help. We welcome a confidential conversation — with no obligation — to explore what feels right for you.
Contact:
Kelsey Gilker
📧 [email protected]
📞 250.419.4312
Creating a legacy is a powerful way to ensure your love of music continues to inspire future generations.
Encore Legacy Society
Those who choose to include the Victoria Conservatory of Music in their estate plans are invited to become members of our Encore Legacy Society.
Members are recognized for their foresight and generosity and share a commitment to sustaining music education for generations to come. With your permission, we are honoured to acknowledge your legacy during your lifetime.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of our Encore Legacy Society sponsor, BMO Nesbitt Burns Rick Wesseling.
Should you wish, we are happy to help connect you with trusted professional resources as you consider your legacy plans.
Encore Legacy Society Newsletter
Read more about how donors like you are making an impact in the Encore Legacy Society newsletter.
Contact Us
Charitable Registration #10817 2255 RR0001