IN MEMORIUM: MICHELE MANN
Michele Mann was a founding member of the APO’s Future Fund, established to support APO Connecting’s extensive music education programming. Read more about Michele’s impact and how you too can make a difference.
APO Connecting links the orchestra’s professional players with families, schools, aspiring musicians and communities. From introductory music sessions for pre-schoolers to professional development and mentoring for aspiring musicians, composers and conductors, APO Connecting inspires young musicians, connects music makers and music lovers of the present and the future – interacting with more than 20,000 young people and adults across Tāmaki Makaurau each year.
Michele Mann was a firm believer that music is essential to fostering community, belonging and cultural fulfilment, and improving wellbeing. Michele was passionate about giving back to the next generation – whether that be through the Dictionaries in Schools programme, her Anzac Day Breakfast initiative, or her investment in APO Connecting.
When the Future Fund was created to support and supplement the APO Connecting education programme, Michele was on board immediately as a fervent advocate for the fund and its potential. As a result of the investment of initial Future Fund supporters like Michele, the APO’s music education programme has expanded to encompass additional schools (particularly in low decile areas), provide more masterclasses and fellowship opportunities for young musicians, and secure the continuation of free community concerts. As well as significant social impact, the support of the Future Fund also has a measurable return. The results of an extensive assessment by ImpactLab show every dollar invested in APO Connecting delivers $12.30 of measurable good to NZ society, which equates to $2,669,571 of measurable good every year.
Michele passed away peacefully on Monday 20 March 2023 but leaves behind a significant legacy, having made a difference to thousands of young Aucklanders through her investment in the Future Fund.
With increased support, the APO Connecting programme has the potential to expand further, touch more lives, open more minds, and create more music. To find out more about the Future Fund and how you, like Michele, can invest in the next generation of music lovers and musicians.