Dr. Carsten Markfort, Chairman of the Foundation Board
Carsten Markfort
Patrons of the First Moment
The MCO Foundation was founded in 2008. ON TOUR speaks to the Chairman of the Foundation Board, Dr. Carsten Markfort, about plans, projects and patrons.
The MCO Foundation has existed since spring 2008. What are your goals and which projects did you approach first? Dr.Carsten Markfort: The foundation’s goal is to support the MCO with the resources at our disposal. This means, for example, finding ways to carry out special orchestra projects that are otherwise difficult to finance. Supporting young talent in every possible way is also very important to us. And we want to provide the musicians with instruments that match their artistic talent. There are many concrete ideas and projects.
At the start, we first thought about how to create a strategically sound and financially successful process in order to get the Foundation moving in the right direction. Thanks to generous donations that came together on the initiative of the Berger family, we have a good starting basis. However, in order to support the MCO for the long term, much more effort is required. The Foundation is an operative and active entity that is still working on assembling its financial resources. We have approached persons who we think would like to support the work of the Foundation, because they – like us – believe in the future of classical music and of the MCO. Our brochure, which presents the orchestra and the Foundation, has just been printed.
The Foundation plans to create a Circle of Patrons. How do you envision this group and who will belong to it? Dr.Carsten Markfort: We want to create a network of partners for the MCO. We are looking for supporters who love classical music as much as we do. We also approach people who can identify with the quality, the intensity and the high standards of the musicians. People who travel a lot, whether for business or for pleasure, have the chance to experience the orchestra at work all over the world. We are looking for friends in every location who welcome the orchestra with open arms.
The orchestra’s independence of location and its world-class performances at the most important festivals and at the most interesting new venues are a wonderful combination. What other orchestra of comparable quality is present in so many corners of the world? In this way, the ensemble mirrors the working lives of many of our potential patrons. The MCO is where its patrons are – and vice versa. What benefits does a Patron receive from the MCO? Dr.Carsten Markfort: Encountering the MCO up close is always an extraordinary experience. I have never heard a concert in which the enthusiasm of the musicians was not palpable, in which their interpretation of a work was not perfectly and intensely communicated. I think every supporter is looking for these kinds of experiences and with them the knowledge that they are supporting a fantastic ensemble.
We also want to give Patrons the opportunity to invite the orchestra’s players for special occasions. This could mean a chamber music concert for a birthday celebration or the entire orchestra playing at a company event. We are open to the wishes of our Patrons. Personal contact to the musicians should also be made possible through rehearsal visits or getting together to celebrate after a concert. And of course, Patrons will also get to know one another and build friendships and business relationships. What can Patrons do in return? Dr.Carsten Markfort: The MCO Foundation, like every foundation, has the goal of providing financial resources for particular activities and purposes. Many foundations take these funds from the interest earned on already existing assets. We are not yet at that stage. We still need continuous support to achieve our goals. A good Patron can do everything that his wallet allows. A regular yearly contribution helps us in our long-term planning. We also look forward to the presence and the initiative of our Patrons, and to their enthusiasm for this orchestra, extraordinary in every way!
What is your assessment of the readiness of individuals to engage in philanthropy in this period of financial crisis? Dr.Carsten Markfort: Philanthropy and social responsibility are only partially determined by financial strength. The need and desire of a donor to support a particular entity that he appreciates and sees as necessary and meaningful are much more important. It may well be that in these times of shrinking stock portfolios, the financial volume is reduced. But readiness to support a good cause is independent of the numbers.
You have been a legal advisor to the MCO for many years, and you attend its concerts regularly. Now you are Chairman of the Foundation Board – is this a kind of patron status? Dr. Carsten Markfort: In addition to audiences and applause, an orchestra – in particular one without state funding – also needs support in the form of ideas and finances. That’s why I have chosen, along with my fellow Board members, to take on this honorary office. It’s a little like being the patrons of the first moment.
