Kiwi pianist turns to crowdfunding for London calling

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

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