Our Principal Conductor's Circle is made up of individuals who are a special part of our musical family. Their commitment and generosity benefits us all - musicians, audiences and creative learning participants alike.

Joining the Principal Conductor's Circle allows you to get to know our musicians and be more involved in the day-to-day life of the Orchestra.

Members choose the area of work they want to support, such as sponsoring a musician's or visiting artist's chair, funding international or Scottish touring, commissioning new music, or supporting our vital education and community work.

To show our deep appreciation for this inspirational support, members have exclusive opportunities to build personal relationships with SCO musicians and visiting artists, and attend private recitals, dinners, receptions and rehearsals throughout the Season.

Principal Conductor's Circle Membership begins at £5,000 a year. To discuss your involvement, please contact Martin on 0131 478 8344 or email martin.lawlor@sco.org.uk.

Tax Relief

If you are a higher rate tax payer, you can claim personal tax relief on the difference between the basic rate and the higher rate of income tax through your Self Assessment tax return. So, at current income tax rates, if you make a donation of £800, it will be worth £1,000 to the SCO (including Gift Aid) while costing you only £600 after personal tax relief.

Donating Shares

By donating shares to the SCO you will also be able to take advantage of tax efficient giving as well as claiming income or corporation tax relief on certain shares. Gifts of shares enable the donor to deduct from that year's taxable income the market value of the investments at the date of the gifts to the charity, plus any incidental costs incurred in transferring the investments, such as broker's fees, less any proceeds or benefits the donor receives in consequence of the gift.

Gifts of shares to a charity are also free from liability to Capital Gains Tax. However, we are not permitted to claim Gift Aid on share donations.

We recommend you take advice from an accountant or your financial adviser before making a major gift or donation of shares to the SCO.