Following the New York Philharmonic’s recent decision to cancel the organization’s fall season of performances, Music Director Jaap van Zweden has donated $500k to the NY Phil Plays On Emergency Fund.

The donation is the single largest one received by the fund, which has currently raised around $3 million in support of the orchestra’s musicians as David Geffen Hall remains closed.

On his donations, Maestro van Zweden says, “This is such a challenging time, and I have been giving a great deal of thought to finding a way to demonstrate how valued the members of the New York Philharmonic are to me, to New York City, to the world. And so, I have decided to make a gift in their honor. I hope that this will inspire others to give and to keep supporting our great orchestra.”

Board Co-Chairmen Peter May and Oscar Tang have expressed their gratitude to all those who have donated to the emergency fund, noting that “the financial implications from this pandemic are staggering, which is why the Board is so grateful to Jaap for this remarkable lead gift, which will help us overcome this unprecedented challenge. We thank all of our New York Philharmonic supporters who continue to generously donate. We all look forward to the day when our live performances will be back.”

A group of Philharmonic Board Members and major donors will be matching all donations to the New York Phil Plays On Emergency Fund until June 30.