Impact of a Legacy

Transforming lives with music 

For decades, Liverpool Philharmonic has been a huge part of so many lives – and we know that those people would want us to keep that going for generations to come.  

And that’s the power of leaving a legacy. These donations benefit the entire organisation, allowing us to prosper, expand all of our work and share the Phil’s magic with as many people as possible. A truly meaningful gift that can transform our city’s future. 

Legacy gifts can be donated towards any part of the Phil’s work – so whatever you’re passionate about, you’ll be able to leave your mark. Here are just a few examples of the difference a legacy can make.  

Change young lives 

In 2024, we received a generous donation from Protasia in memory of her son Mark Torkington, a talented musician and composer.  This gift was to support bursaries for Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company, with some funds ringfenced for black or mixed-heritage young people. 

Nurturing talent is a responsibility we take very seriously, and we strongly believe that finances should never be a barrier to creating music. This gift has made a real difference – welcoming more young people into Youth Company, opening up priceless opportunities and helping so many meet their potential. 

Help new talent shine 

Professor Tim Jones gave us kind donations in memory of his wife Julia, supporting our Emerging Musicians Fellowship.  

Classical music can be a tough industry to break into – so the Fellowship sees early career orchestral musicians step into the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and immerse themselves in life as a professional musician. It’s precious experience and an invaluable opportunity. 

Shape the Orchestra’s future 

The Phil is the proud owner of a full set of church bells, our Forever Bells. We’re the first UK orchestra to have these instruments, and they’ll be beloved for generations to come. Legacy gifts made this possible – and our largest bell is dedicated to all those who supported the Phil in their will.  

The same is true of our rosewood xylophone – an incredibly rare and precious instrument that sits on our stage today thanks to a gift from Kenneth & Pamela Williams.  

Legacy gifts like these mean we’re able to take on the broadest range of music, bringing the best works to our stages and paving the way for even greater musical excellence.  

Love Liverpool 

A few years ago, we received a significant legacy gift for In Harmony Liverpool Philharmonic – our programme for young people in Everton and Anfield. In Harmony is designed to empower and inspire, giving over 1,700 young people music-making opportunities every week, completely free of charge. Targeted at children with the greatest need and fewest resources, it encourages resilience and confidence, laying the foundation for brighter futures.  

Donations like this mean we can expand the project, leaving a lasting and vital impact on even more lives across our great music city.