$100,000 Foundational Gift to Support Long-Term Artistic Leadership
Sedona, AZ — Wednesday, July 23, 2025 — Sedona Symphony is proud to announce the establishment of the William and Elizabeth Sweeney Endowment Fund, made possible by a remarkably generous $100,000 founding gift from long-time supporters William and Elizabeth (Bill & Liz) Sweeney. This landmark fund is designed to ensure the continuity and strength of the Symphony’s artistic leadership for generations to come.
The Sweeney Endowment Fund will directly support multi-year contracts and compensation for the Symphony’s Artistic Director and Conductor, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to musical excellence and organizational stability.
“We believe in the power of live orchestral music to inspire, uplift, and connect communities,” said Liz Sweeney. “By supporting artistic leadership at its core, this endowment aims to sustain and grow the Sedona Symphony’s artistic vision long into the future.”
With a long-term goal of reaching $750,000, the endowment will eventually underwrite the full annual compensation and related expenses for the Artistic Director/Conductor role. Contributions to the fund are open to the public and may be made at any time by individuals, corporations, or foundations. The Sweeney Fund will also be promoted as a giving opportunity within the Symphony’s Legacy Society for those interested in planned or deferred gifts.
“This extraordinary gift is both an investment in our music and a powerful act of trust in our future,” said Al Vander Peut, President of the Sedona Symphony Board. “It sets a new bar for our ability to attract and retain visionary artistic leadership and furthers our mission to inspire and enrich the lives of everyone in our community.”
Annual distributions from the fund will begin in July 2026, calculated as 5% of the fund’s average rolling value. The fund will be professionally managed, tracked independently, and publicly acknowledged in all Symphony programs and digital materials.
The Sedona Symphony invites the community to join in honoring this commitment by contributing to the fund and helping to shape the future of music in Northern Arizona.
To make a donation or gift, or to learn more about how to contribute to the fund, please contact Al Vander Peut at alvp@sedonasymphony.org or leave a message at 928-282-3066.
About Sedona Symphony
Sedona Symphony enriches the quality of life in Northern Arizona through the power of live orchestral music that educates, entertains, and inspires. From timeless classics to bold contemporary works, the Symphony offers unforgettable experiences that reflect the spirit and beauty of Red Rock Country.