Vermont Contemporary Music Ensemble
Fall Fundraising Letter

Dear Friends of Classical and Contemporary Music -

We at the Vermont Contemporary Music Ensemble would like to thank you for your previous support, through generous contributions from many of you over the past seasons, and through attendance at our concerts. Absent such patronage, we would not have the ongoing critical success the ensemble has received, nor would we have been able to fulfill the basic tenants of our mission statement. At this time we are asking you to renew or enhance your most valued support by asking you to consider the VCME in your annual giving plans.

The VCME is poised to take another significant step forward in its 16 year history of being the only professional classical music ensemble dedicated to the commissioning of new works from living composers as well as the performance of neglected chamber music from 20th century masters. The 2002/2003 season saw the addition of a full season performed in Montpelier as well as the addition of a Christmas concert. Several other venues throughout Vermont, New York and Massachusetts have expressed interest in the ensemble and the VCME has been invited to perform in a variety of alternative venues. We continue to fulfill our mission to the Vermont musical community by commissioning several new works for the upcoming season. Artistic Director, Steven Klimowski was honored in March of this year by the Vermont Arts Council, by receiving a Certificate of Merit for his service to the arts in Vermont.

This being said, critical accolades are, frankly, not enough to keep the VCME going. This unique and talented group of professional musicians needs the ongoing support of foundations, corporations and individuals such as you to be able to devote the enormous amount of time and talent it takes to produce an eight concert season. The VCME artists are all professional musicians and over the years have made significant sacrifices in both time and compensation because of their strong beliefs in the mission of the VCME and the artistic vision of Director, Steven Klimowski. They have earned the modest, if any, compensation they have received for their efforts a thousand times over. The VCME also has an extraordinary CD awaiting production and release. The 9/11 Memorial Concert has eleven extraordinary compositions by Vermont Composers, whose power, beauty and source of comfort transcend the horrific events of that terrible day to provide an uncommon testament to the healing power of music. Your support of the VCME would help ensure a timely release of this extraordinary musical document.

We respectfully ask you to consider the needs of the VCME as you review your charitable giving. We are a non-profit, 501 © (3) organization, therefore all contributions are tax deductible. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the VCME Artists and Artistic Director Steve Klimowski I thank you for your generosity and support.

Sincerely,

Tim Tavcar, manager
The Vermont Contemporary Music Ensemble

The VCME is supported in part by the Vermont Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Vermont Community Foundation and the University of Vermont music department.