AMI instrumental in Christchurch Symphony Development

AMI Insurance and the Christchurch Symphony have announced a new four-year sponsorship agreement that will underpin and extend the orchestra’s programmes.

“The role of the arts in a community is critically important. The arts nurture creativity and innovation and play an important role in defining our culture. For this reason, we are very pleased to be able to contribute to the ongoing success and development of the Christchurch Symphony,” says Mr John Balmforth, Chief Executive of AMI Insurance.

“While AMI has an extensive branch network across New Zealand, our Head Office is located in Christchurch and we have a long association with the city and the South Island. Our ability to assist the arts reflects the extremely strong support we receive from our customers and the outstanding job our staff do in caring for them,” Mr Balmforth said.

“Our partnership with the Symphony has been an award winning success and we are delighted to announce that we are renewing our Principal Sponsorship for a further four years. Three new initiatives included in the extended agreement will enable the orchestra to tour to a number of locations in the South Island, produce a CD annually and provide funding for player development,” says Mr Balmforth.

Funds for the Player Development Fund will go towards skill development within the orchestra.

“The aim of the Player Development Fund is to enable players to take advantage of opportunities nationally and internationally, bringing back new knowledge and expertise to benefit the whole orchestra,” says Mr Balmforth.

Additional support for a touring programme and an annual CD is intended to extend the orchestra’s audience.

“Both the touring programme and the CD are central to the orchestra’s aim to position itself as a national orchestra. We are pleased to join with Creative New Zealand to help get off the ground two tours of the Masterworks series to South Island destinations in 2003,” says Mr Balmforth.

“Likewise the successful launch of the orchestra’s award winning ‘Landmarks’ CD last year has meant that the orchestra is more accessible to local, New Zealand and international audiences. Extending the audience of the Christchurch Symphony is important for its long-term success. We have, therefore, committed to sponsoring the production of a CD annually.”

AMI Insurance has supported the orchestra in various ways for nine years and became principal sponsor in July 2001. In addition to its principal sponsorship arrangement AMI supports the AMI Insurance Proms Series.

Mr Balmforth announced the new sponsorship arrangements at the AMI Insurance “Last Night of the Proms” concert held at the Christchurch Town Hall on Saturday 9 November.

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