Leave a Lasting Legacy
Help secure Waterperry Opera Festival’s future for the next generation of artists and audiences.
Support the Festival Bringing Opera to a New Generation
Since its founding, Waterperry Opera Festival has become a vibrant force in British opera, offering innovative high-quality productions, nurturing emerging talent, and broadening access to opera for new and diverse audiences. At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to the next generation of artists and audiences.
Leaving a gift in your will is one of the most powerful ways to help secure this mission for years to come. Whether large or small, your legacy will help sustain artistic excellence, expand educational opportunities, and support the opera professionals of the future.
How Your Gift Makes a Difference
Leaving a legacy to the Waterperry Opera Festival allows you to shape the future of British opera. Your legacy will directly support:
Support ambitious, high-quality productions that combine artistic excellence with our fresh and approachable ethos, by enabling the company to fully realize its artistic vision and offer programming on the highest level, now and in the future. Read more about our productions this year here.
Ensure ongoing investment in the next generation of British opera by supporting training, mentorship, and paid performance opportunities for emerging singers, directors, and creatives through our Young Artist Programme. Read more about the Young Artist Programme here.
Expand outreach and access to opera through our Learning and Engagement Programme, including educational initiatives, subsidised ticket schemes, school workshops, and family-friendly programming - all designed to engage new and diverse audiences and inspire the next generation of opera lovers and artists. Read more about the WOF Learning and Engagement Programme here.
Support the long-term sustainability and growth of the UK’s youngest and most dynamic opera festival.
If you would like your gift to support a specific area of our work, you can include a Letter of Wishes. While not legally binding, this letter helps us understand your intentions and direct your legacy in line with your wishes wherever possible.
How to Leave a Gift in Your Will
Leaving a legacy is simple. You can:
Include Waterperry Opera Festival when writing a new will
Add a gift to an existing will using a codicil
We encourage you to get in touch with us directly to receive more information. This allows us to support you through the process and answer any questions. If you would like to find out more about leaving a legacy and how your gift supports our work, please get in touch with General Manager Vivian Stolt at vivian@waterperryoperafestival.co.uk.
Key Information for Your Solicitor:
To include Waterperry Opera Festival in your will, please use the following details:
Waterperry Opera Festival
Orchard Barn, Ilmer, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9RA
Registered Charity Number: 1177966
Types of Legacy Gifts
Residuary gift | Leave the remainder of your estate (or a percentage), once family and friends have been provided for.
Pecuniary or cash gift | Leave a fixed sum donation.
If you are considering leaving a personal item—such as a photo collection or memorabilia—we kindly ask that you get in touch with us in advance to ensure we can honour your wishes appropriately.
Let Us Know
You can inform us of your intention to leave a legacy by completing our Legacy Pledge Form or by directly contacting General Manager Vivian Stolt at vivian@waterperryoperafestival.co.uk.
The Waterperry Opera Legacy Circle
If you choose to leave a gift in your will, we warmly invite you to join The Waterperry Opera Legacy Circle. Members receive:
Regular newsletters updating you on our work and impact.
Invitations to special events where you can meet staff and fellow supporters, and learn more about our plans.
Letting us know about your intentions helps us honour your wishes and express our thanks during your lifetime.
Did You Know?
If you leave 10% or more of the value of your taxable estate to charity, not only is the gift itself exempt from Inheritance Tax, but the remaining estate is subject to Inheritance Tax at 36% rather than 40%.
For Executors and Other Enquiries
If you are managing a legacy or would like to make a gift in memory of a loved one, please contact General Manager Vivian Stolt at vivian@waterperryoperafestival.co.uk.
Your Legacy Is Our Future
By remembering Waterperry Opera Festival in your will, you help ensure our creative vision, commitment to accessibility, and support for young artists continues to thrive—both on stage and in the community—for generations to come.
Please note:
We strongly recommend consulting a solicitor or professional will-writing service before making or updating your will.