Being a part of the CSO’s Player Partnership Programme (PPP) is a symbiotic relationship for Doris Barnard and Mark Hickman.

Doris and Mark support the Assistant Concertmaster position in the programme, which gives an opportunity to form a closer relationship with the CSO through direct support of the players. Supporters are, in turn, invited to functions, open rehearsals, and other events where they can meet the musicians they support, conductors, and other player partners, and get to know both the people and the organisation.

“It was a series of coincidences that led to us joining,” said Mark. “We’d paid off our mortgage, so we felt we ought to donate, and we might as well donate while we’re alive.”

“We’ve always been lovers of music and have been coming to the CSO for years,” added Doris.

They initially supported the harp but felt they could be doing more and had planned on adding the piccolo to their portfolio. However, the Assistant Concertmaster position became available.

“That was my first year,” said CSO Assistant Concertmaster Sarah McCracken. “I met [Mark and Doris] at the end of year function, which I attended with my mum and sister.”

Knowing the players – not just the one they sponsored, but the others as well – enhanced the concert experience, Doris explained. “You also get other spin-offs. We run Christopher’s Classics and, as we get to know these people, we can suggest to them that maybe they can form an ensemble. It’s also just nice to know the players on a personal level rather than just as faces on a stage.”

“It’s nice having the personal relationship with people who are in the audience,” said Sarah. “We meet at various places after concerts and also at functions. [Mark and Doris] are always in the front row as well so it’s nice to have a little wave.

“We couldn’t really function without the player partners. The part I enjoy the most is the personal side. I’ve gotten to know Doris and Mark quite well but also the other Player Partner patrons as well. I feel like the connection with the community and the audience makes the concerts more enjoyable.

“It also enables us to keep doing what we do, not just concerts, but everything else like Community Engagement, and reaching people who we wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise.”

“One side couldn’t survive without the other,” said Mark.

Doris suggested that if someone wanted to try out the Player Partnership Programme, the best thing to do would be to join a syndicate to see what the programme had to offer. “If people are interested in music, it’s always nicer to get involved and meet the people who are doing it.”

This is the second of our 'Player Partner Patron' series about some of the CSO's supporters.

To find out more about the Player Partnership Programme, please click here or contact Rosamund McDonald on 022 461 7736 or rosamund@cso.co.nz. Members of the programme can support a player as an individual, or group, from $250 - $4,000, and it makes all the difference in realising the future of the CSO and continuing our vital work in the community.