Kiwi pianist turns to crowdfunding for London calling
Talented young Kiwi pianist Somi Kim has been invited to attend the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in
London, one of the world’s leading music conservatoires. In order to get to London, Somi needs to fundraise $65,000 and
has turned to online crowdfunding, offering her online supporters a potential reward of a private dining experience and
concert for 10 at Auckland’s The French Cafe.
“Classical musicians aren’t traditionally known for taking big risks in the public eye but I can’t leave
securing my place to chance so I’ve taken an entrepreneurial approach to raising the funds I need for London while also
pursuing more traditional funding options as well. This truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me”, says Kim.
“I’m coupling the standard Givealittle donation tools and have developed a unique event opportunity with renowned chef
Simon Wright to incentivise my supporters to make an online donation”.
Crowdfunding for a wide range of creative endeavours including ongoing education is now commonplace and growing
rapidly. The recently released Massolution 2013 Crowdfunding Industry Global Report found 1.1 million campaigns raised a
total of US$2.7bn in 2012, up 81% from the previous year. It is predicted that a total of US$5.1bn will be raised in
2013. Kiwis are also big fans of the new approach, with platforms Givealittle, PledgeMe and Boosted all reporting
promising signs of growth. This week US based Kickstarter.com made history with over $5m pledged by fans of the Veronica
Mars Project, a public crowdfunding plea to see a new movie made.
Showing that she means business, the rare musical talent has teamed up with The French Café’s executive chef
Simon Wright who will prepare a four course, wine matched dinner for 10 guests in new private kitchen and dining area,
The French Kitchen. Somi will perform throughout the evening. Every $100 donated at somikim.com is a chance to win the
experience and she has even arranged an incentive draw of dinner for two at The French Café for donations under $100 as
she says “with crowdfunding every dollar donated takes me one step closer to London”.
At the tender age of 23 the pianist has already performed in prestigious venues such as St. James Piccadilly in
London and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival but quietly acknowledges this is her most nerve-wracking endeavour to date.
John Eady of Lewis Eady Charitable Trust can’t speak highly enough of her talent claiming “it is an amazing opportunity
for a young Kiwi musician to learn from the very best at one the world’s most prestigious musical establishments.
Patrons of her online campaign can take heart in knowing they are a supporting a rising star together with the thrill of
the unique potential for reward”. Foodies and classical musical enthusiasts are sure to be curious and can find out more
at somikim.com.
ENDS