- Jump to →
- How to leave a legacy
- Useful Information
Let music be your legacy
“Live music gives us such pleasure. We’d love others to experience the joy that music brings. That’s why we’ve left a legacy to The Glasshouse and its orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia.”
Your Legacy. Their Music. A gift that lasts.
Music stays with us. It inspires, comforts, connects – and here at The Glasshouse, it changes lives.
A a charity, legacies play a vital role in shaping our future and keeping the music playing. Because of support from people like you, Royal Northern Sinfonia has a home. Young musicians find their spark. Audiences of all ages come together to share unforgettable moments. Every year, thousands of people experience music that brings joy, builds confidence, opens doors and creates lasting connections.
From world‑class performances to life‑changing education programmes, music here does so more than entertain – it transforms lives.
Why leave a gift in your Will?
“I give a legacy to family members. The Glasshouse and Royal Northern Sinfonia are family.”
Remembering The Glasshouse and Royal Northern Sinfonia in your will is a powerful way to extend support beyond your lifetime – ensuring that future generations experience the music that has meant so much to you.
By including The Glasshouse and/or Royal Northern Sinfonia in your Will, you help ensure that music continues to uplift and inspire future generations. It’s a meaningful way to reflect what matters most to you.
Your legacy could help:
- Bring extraordinary live music to future audiences
- Support Royal Northern Sinfonia’s world‑class work
- Nurture young musicians as they learn, grow and shine
- Keep our iconic building open, welcoming and accessible
- Remove barriers so everyone can experience the joy of music
Large or small, every gift leaves a lasting mark – becoming part of every note played, every voice lifted and every life changed through music.
A simple act that lasts a lifetime
Leaving a gift in your Will is easier than many people think. Whether you’re writing your first Will or updating an existing one, the process can be simple, cost‑effective and deeply rewarding.
Speaking with a qualified solicitor is the best way to ensure your wishes are clear and honoured. To help you get started, we’ve put together an A–Z list of North East solicitors who offer advice on Will writing.
We’re here to help – and we’d love to talk to you about how your legacy can keep the music playing.
Useful Information
What information do I need to include when leaving a gift in my Will to The Glasshouse International Music Centre (North Music Trust)?
To leave a gift in your Will to our charity, the most important information you’ll need is our registered charity details.
Our Charity Name: North Music Trust
Charity Address: The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, St Mary’s Square, Gateshead, NE8 2JR
Registered Charity Number: 1087445
How do I change or update by Will?
A solicitor can help you to add a special form, called a codicil, to your existing Will. Making changes yourself without seeking legal advice could make your existing Will invalid.
Is legacy giving tax efficient?
Yes, all legacy gifts to charities are free from inheritance tax. Your solicitor can explain the benefits to you. And there’s also plenty of government advice on inheritance tax.
What type of gift can I leave to North Music Trust?
Whatever the size, large or small, legacies make the extraordinary possible: inspiring future generations of musicians, reaching new audiences, keeping traditions alive and spreading the joy of live music to more people for years to come.
- A pecuniary gift is a fixed sum of money and is likely to be among the first gifts to be made from your estate.
- A residuary gift is a share of the ‘residue’ of your estate, once other obligations and gifts to loved ones have been made.
- A specific gift is the gift of a specific item, such as a piece of art, property, shares or a musical instrument. Specific gifts can be left to our charity to sell, or to be held according to your instructions.
I’ve left a gift in my Will to Northern Sinfonia Trust. Do I need to update it?
The Northern Sinfonia Trust (registered charity number 509792) is the former charitable name associated with our orchestra before it gained its ‘Royal’ title. In 2013 Northern Sinfonia Trust was fully amalgamated into North Music Trust.
If your existing Will includes a legacy gift to Northern Sinfonia Trust, please speak to your solicitor to update your Will. This will ensure we are able to accept your legacy gift and that we can honour your wishes to support the orchestra in the way you have specified.
You can specify that you’d like your gift to benefit Royal Northern Sinfonia and then your contribution will support the orchestra.
Can I specify which area of the charity’s work my legacy should go to?
Unrestricted gifts to our charity (North Music Trust) are particularly welcome. They allow us to use your gift wherever it is needed most.
However, it’s fine if you’d prefer to support a particular area of our work, such as Royal Northern Sinfonia or our work with young people. Just get in touch to let us know. And make sure your solicitor knows too, so the correct wording can be added to your Will to make sure your wishes are met.
Thanking you
Whether you have made a gift to us in your Will or are thinking of doing so, we’d love to hear from you.
We’d really like to thank you and keep you connected to all the mighty and magical music that gifts make possible. You can of course keep this to yourself: we hope you know how grateful you are.
If you’d like to get in touch, please contact Natalie Heath, Development Manager at The Glasshouse on 0191 443 5038 or email natalie.heath@theglasshouseicm.org.