The Czech Philharmonic received nearly 16 million crowns from the bequest of its patron, Tom Schrecker

September 10th 2025

The Czech Philharmonic has received nearly 16 million crowns from the bequest of its patron, Tom Schrecker — a world traveler, philanthropist, and one of the 669 Winton’s Children. The funds are intended to support the development of talented musicians and also serve as a tribute to the close relationship Schrecker built with the orchestra over many years.

Tom Schrecker became connected with the Czech Philharmonic through his friendship with conductor Jiří Bělohlávek, whom he met during Bělohlávek’s time in Liverpool and London. The connection came through Bělohlávek’s wife, Anna, whose cousin was giving Schrecker piano lessons in Australia. When Bělohlávek returned to the Czech Philharmonic as Chief Conductor in 2012, it was him who introduced Schrecker to the orchestra’s leadership and inspired him to make his first donation — a multi-year sponsorship of the cello section’s concertmaster. From this relationship grew broader collaboration as well as the idea to establish the Dynamic Club of friends of the Czech Philharmonic, which became one of the orchestra’s most visible platforms for philanthropic support.

“He was a typical director — but in the best sense of the word. I admired his focus and systematic approach, his ability to think deeply about things, and his constant stream of ideas, insightful comments, and new initiatives,” recalls Michal Medek, Commercial Director of the Czech Philharmonic.

“He placed great importance on personal contact and simplicity. He wanted to stay in daily touch with his people, which he believed was only possible if a company had no more than about 500 employees. He also emphasized that ideas must be simple enough for people to understand instantly — otherwise they don’t work in marketing. These are two principles I often remind myself of,” adds Medek.

Tom Schrecker (1932–2024) was one of the so-called Winton’s Children, who were saved in 1939 by Nicholas Winton’s transport to the United Kingdom. He left on the fifth of the eight trains. Born in Prague to a Jewish family, part of his relatives survived thanks to the Winton transports, while his mother and other close family members perished in concentration camps. In Britain, he was raised by an adoptive family, studied history at Oxford University, and later served in the British Army. His professional career led him to Reader’s Digest, where he worked for many years in senior management roles. After retiring in 1990, he devoted himself to philanthropy, particularly in Czechia, with which he maintained a deep connection. “Just as Winton once saved me, I now try to help others,” he said in a 2016 interview for Hospodářské noviny.

His philanthropic work focused primarily on supporting music and education — for even longer than the Czech Philharmonic, he supported the Prague Spring Festival and the Třeboň Spa Orchestra. He also collaborated closely with the Grammar School in Třeboň, to which he left another generous gift. According to Memory of Nations, Schrecker viewed philanthropy as a personal duty: “I was a child who got a second chance at life. I believe it’s my duty to pass that chance on.” When speaking to students in Třeboň, he would often remind them: “Life is short — enjoy it, and if you can, do something for others.”

Legacy gifting, of which Tom Schrecker is a beautiful example, is less common in the Czech Republic than abroad, but it is gradually becoming a natural part of philanthropy. By leaving part of his estate, Schrecker sought to continue his lifelong support of culture and education — and to show that this too is a way to strengthen institutions that hold personal meaning. His gesture can be seen not only as tangible help but also as an inspiration for how one’s own life story can be linked with lasting support for the arts.