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AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE OXFORD PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA INC

New York, NY · EIN 813380913 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE A12 · Arts, Culture & Humanities · Small ($100K-$1M) · afoxfordphil.org
revenue
$325K
expenses
$127K
net assets
$269K
employees
0
volunteers
5
program ratio
60%
mission · from form 990

TO SUPPORT ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS, MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND RECORDINGS.

profile · synthesized from sources

The American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra (AFOPO) is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra’s concerts, recordings, and music education programs. Founded in 2016, it serves as a cultural bridge between the US and UK by facilitating tax-deductible donations from American supporters. AFOPO funds international performances, educational initiatives, and special events, including high-profile concerts at venues like Carnegie Hall and royal residences.

named programs · 6 · from sources

What they call their work

Community & Outreach Program
Delivers interactive performances and workshops in schools, hospitals, and communities across Oxfordshire, focusing on inclusivity and access to classical music for underserved populations
Family Concerts (FUNomusica)
Annual series of three family-friendly concerts designed for children under 8, offered in partnership with Oxford City Council to introduce young audiences to live classical music
OPO Academy Program
Provides free, world-class training and performance opportunities for gifted young musicians up to age 26, including masterclasses, fellowships, and side-by-side orchestral experiences with professional musicians
Oxford Piano Festival
Annual intensive program bringing together talented young pianists and renowned teachers for masterclasses and evening concerts, under the patronage of Murray Perahia and presidency of Sir András Schiff
Oxfordshire Concerto Competition
Annual competition for secondary school students across Oxfordshire, offering performance opportunities with the Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra and mentorship from OPO musicians
Student Fellowship Program
Early-career development initiative offering outstanding young musicians the opportunity to perform full concerts with the Oxford Philharmonic, receive full remuneration, and gain professional orchestral experience
activities · 7 groups

What they do

  • Music Education and Training Programs 2 activities
    • Providing training and performance opportunities through the Academy Program
      Offers the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra’s Academy Program, which provides early-career musicians with mentorship, masterclasses with renowned artists like Lang Lang and Anne-Sophie Mutter, apprenticeships, side-by-side orchestral participation, and opportunities to premiere new works.
    • Running specialized music festivals and fellowship programs for young pianists
      Organizes the Oxford Piano Festival, bringing together talented young pianists and renowned teachers for masterclasses and concerts, and launches the Student Fellowship Program in 2025 to enable early-career musicians to perform full concerts with the orchestra, with an expectation of 20 performances during the 2025/26 season.
  • Music Therapy for Ill and Vulnerable Populations 1 activity
    • Conducting therapeutic and educational outreach in schools and hospitals
      Delivers interactive music workshops and therapeutic performances in primary, secondary, SEND schools, and NHS hospital wards across Oxfordshire, using adapted instruments and collaborative music-making to serve underserved and vulnerable populations.
  • Community Music Performances & Education 1 activity
    • Delivering music education and access programs for students and young musicians
      Runs the Student Access Scheme, subsidizes student and under-18 tickets, offers £5 tickets since 1998, and hosts family concerts and outreach projects to increase access to classical music for children, students, and underserved populations in Oxfordshire.
  • Performing Arts Production Support 1 activity
    • Funding performances, tours, recordings, and special events for the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra
      Provides financial support for orchestral concerts, international tours, recordings, and anniversary celebrations of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra in the US and UK, including Silver Jubilee events, Royal Gala Concerts, and performances at Carnegie Hall and Windsor Castle.
  • Classical and Chamber Music Performances 1 activity
    • Organizing and supporting live orchestral performances and concert tours
      Produces and presents live concerts by the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra in major venues including the Sheldonian Theatre, Carnegie Hall, Barbican Centre, Royal Festival Hall, and Dubai Opera, including sold-out performances in Japan and the US. Supports international tours across multiple cities and seasons.
  • Benefit Events for Arts and Culture 1 activity
    • Producing special events and donor engagement activities
      Hosts benefit concerts, tribute events, galas, and donor dinners in high-profile venues such as Carnegie Hall, Windsor Castle, the Oxford Union, and No. 11 Downing Street, combining artistic programming with supporter engagement and fundraising.
  • Nonprofit Music Recording and Distribution 1 activity
    • Releasing commercial recordings of orchestral music
      Produces and releases recordings of orchestral works, including cello concertos by Shostakovich, A Merton Christmas, Haydn’s The Creation, and Mozart symphonies on the Platoon label, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of classical music.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$325K
Contributions & grants$135K42%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$5K2%
Other revenue$185K
expenses
Total expenses$127K
Program expenses60%
Admin / overhead31%
Fundraising9%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$65K
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$276K
Cash$184K
Investments$0
Liabilities$6K
Net assets$269K
Liquid reserves17.4 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +4.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

board members · 6
  • CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT — CHAIR OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
  • FAANYA ROSE — DIRECTOR
  • JOSH BERMAN — CHAIR OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
  • MARIOS PAPADOPOULOS — PRESIDENT
  • RUSSELL HIRSHFIELD — TREASURER
  • SAUNDRA WHITNEY — DIRECTOR
relationships · 24

Who they work with

  • Association of British Orchestras Network — Cosponsor of the Salomon Prize awarded to the Orchestra for educational outreach.
  • B of A Securities Partner — Corporate sponsor supporting the American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Barclays Partner — Corporate sponsor supporting the American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Carnegie Hall Partner — Collaborated with Carnegie Hall for performances as part of the United in Sound: America at 250 festival.
  • Carnegie Hall Partner — Host venue and collaborator for performances by Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra soloists as part of the United in Sound: America at 250 festival.
  • J.P.Morgan Partner — Corporate sponsor supporting the American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Oxford City Council Partner — Partnership for outreach projects bringing music to underserved communities.
  • Oxford City Council Partner — Partnership to host three annual ‘FUNomusica’ family concerts.
  • Oxford International Opera Partner — Collaborates on the inaugural opera production featuring the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra and international opera stars.
  • Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Partner — Funds and supports the activities of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra through donations and event sponsorship.
  • Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Partner — Primary artistic partner; AFOPO supports its activities and connects members to its events.
  • Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Partner — Primary artistic partner; AFOPO supports its performances, tours, and education programs in the US and internationally.
  • Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Partner — Supports the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra through its organizational activities.
  • Oxford Union Partner — Hosted events including the 'In conversation with' series and a Farewell Tribute Concert at the Oxford Union.
  • Oxfordshire County Council Partner — Partnership for outreach projects bringing music to underserved communities.
  • Oxfordshire County Music Service Partner — Collaborates to provide secondary school-aged students with recital opportunities and host the annual Concerto Competition.
  • Pfizer Partner — Corporate sponsor supporting the American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Royal Philharmonic Society Network — Cosponsor of the Salomon Prize awarded to the Orchestra for educational outreach.
  • The Dragon School Partner — Hosts the annual Orchestral Workshop series in partnership with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • The Lowell Partner — Corporate sponsor supporting the American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Union Club, New York Partner — Hosted a Benefit Concert and Dinner at the Union Club in New York.
  • University of Oxford Partner — Appointed Orchestra in Residence in 2002, collaborating on educational and performance initiatives.
  • Windsor Castle Partner — Presented a Royal Gala Concert and Dinner at Windsor Castle.
  • Zvi & Ofra Meiter Family Partner — Foundation-level supporter of the American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.
strategies · 5

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Child-Centered Concert Experiences
    methodology: child-centered concert design
    By designing family concerts that accommodate the natural energy of young children through movement, noise, and participation, the organization increases accessibility and enjoyment of classical music, because lowering behavioral barriers fosters early positive engagement with the arts.
  • Inclusive Access Through Live and Digital Engagement
    methodology: cultural_access_through_live_and_digital_engagement
    By delivering classical music through both live and online concerts, including performances in non-traditional and underserved settings, the organization broadens access and engagement, because removing geographic and socioeconomic barriers increases public participation in the arts.
  • Lifespan Engagement Through Classical Music
    methodology: lifespan engagement through music
    By using live classical music to engage participants from childhood through older adulthood, the organization promotes emotional well-being and inclusion, because shared musical experiences provide meaningful connection across generations.
  • Professional Integration for Early-Career Musicians
    methodology: professional-integration-model
    By integrating early-career musicians as paid, equal participants in a professional orchestra alongside established artists, the organization builds professional readiness and career pathways, because immersive, mentored experience accelerates artistic and practical development.
  • Transatlantic Cultural Exchange
    methodology: cultural_exchange
    By connecting American audiences with British musical excellence through performances and educational initiatives, the organization fosters mutual cultural understanding and appreciation, because shared artistic experiences strengthen transatlantic ties.