From: Brian Foster [info_at_oxfordmaymusic_dot_co_dot_uk]

Sent: 10 October 2017 08:44

Subject: Oxford May Music 2018

Attachments: OLF 2017 Chamber Music Flyer.pdf

Dear Friends,

     We wanted to update you on the status of next year's Festival. As you will be aware if you attended the 2017 Festival, we are in

a very difficult financial situation. Due to a variety of mostly personnel changes with our supporting organisations, 

and the extremely tight financial situation of most public bodies, we lost all of our sponsorship money. 

We have found new funding to replace about 50% of it, and the

Trustees have made up most of the rest from their personal funds. In addition, we have been greatly heartened by 

the support that several of our friends have already shown in terms of donating in advance and promising

to renew their Friends membership for 2018. Even after all this, however, there is still a funding gap.

We have therefore decided to shorten the Festival by one day, which ought to save enough money to allow us to just about break even.

The 2018 Festival will therefore start on Thursday, May 3rd and last until Monday, May 7th. Otherwise, the Festival, its

ethos, structure and location in SJE, are unchanged. We will have to increase the price for individual events somewhat,

but we expect to keep the price for the Festival Pass unchanged. The details of price structures and of course the programme will be announced

early in 2018. 

It will be clear from this decision, which we have not taken lightly, that the viability of the Festival in the future depends

crucially on the support of our Friends. Please consider renewing your Friends subscription, or becoming a Friend

for the first time. Details can be found on http://www.oxfordmaymusic.co.uk/become-a-friend/. Please remember that the

figures suggested as minimum donations - if you can give more, then you will help assure the Festival's future. Please contact us if you

have questions.

We would like to take the opportunity of this email to inform you about the Oxford Leader Festival "Last of the Romantics"

Chamber Music Festival, which begins on Friday 13th October. Our Artistic Director, Jack Liebeck, will be taking part

in the concert on Friday 20th October. A pdf flyer is attached to this email.

With best wishes,

Brian and Jack