Significant donation made to St Mary’s Music School

St Mary’s Music School is celebrating a million pound legacy from music enthusiast the late David Hutcheson, saying it is the most significant made in its 50 year long history.

Mr Hutcheson was a major supporter of the school and was a music lover who regularly attended the performances and concerts put on by the school. The school said in the announcement: “He believed passionately in supporting young people and music.”

The legacy will be used to modernise facilities for the pupils of the school which will remain in its West End home rather than moving to the former Royal High School as previously envisaged.

Born in the Borders and raised in a musical family, it was David’s mother – an excellent violinist – who inspired in him a lifelong love of music and encouraged him to become an accomplished pianist himself. A keen collector throughout his life, David amassed a significant collection of antique furniture, British and European paintings, and silver. 

Highlights of his collection will be auctioned by Lyon & Turnbull in their forthcomingFive Centuries sale on 4 – 5 September and across a range of specialist auctions this autumn. All will benefit St Mary’s Music School, as was his wish.

St Mary’s Music School Headteacher, Dr Kenneth Taylor, remembered David fondly. He said: “David was a great music aficionado and a generous supporter of the School. His support of our young musicians during his lifetime was wonderful but his legacy is nothing short of remarkable.

“We are deeply grateful to David for supporting the School with such a significant gift. His generosity will live on with the School and help our aspiring young musicians to go on to careers as professional instrumentalists, composers, singers, conductors and music teachers around the world.”