John Studzinski (Home)

Philanthropy beyond the chequebook

In the wake of the banking crisis, many bankers have sought to improve their image by giving to charity. But as John Studzinski, one of the biggest philanthropists around, tells Chris Blackhurst, throwing money at good causes just isn’t enough

Photos of the Padre Pio CD Launch Party

John Studzinski, Chairman of the Genesis Opera Project, today announced the outcome of the first Genesis Opera Project. The panel have decided to apportion a £20,000 prize across the three creative teams in recognition of the different but very real achievements of their strong, diverse talents and approaches.

Boston-born John Studzinski graduated from Bowdoin College with two BA degrees, in biology and sociology, and gained his MBA from the University of Chicago. He is currently Deputy Chairman of Morgan Stanley International Limited where he has served for more than 20 years. He is a trustee of the Tate Gallery, a life trustee of the Sir John Soane Museum, a member of the finance committee of The Passage, and is on the advisory board of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Ten years have passed since I commissioned Roxanna Panufnik to write Westminster Mass that had its world premiere in this very place.  From that experience grew the germ of an idea that led to the creation of the Genesis Foundation where we strive to bring together different sets of objectives that are important to me.

John Studzinski, an HSBC Holdings Plc banker in London who said he spends a quarter of his salary on programs for young artists, plans to take outside contributions from individuals and foundations to support the arts in the U.K. and abroad.

July 20 (Bloomberg) -- John Studzinski, co-head of Corporate Investment Banking and markets at London-based HSBC Holdings Plc, said charities take a quarter or more of his cash income after taxes. Rich people should give more away, he said.

John Studzinski is the founder of Genesis Foundation, the arts arm of the Studs Trust, and the founder and chairman of The Genesis Prizes for Opera, which was developed by Jonathan Reekie, Chief Executive of Aldeburgh Productions, with London's Almeida Opera as producers. Another major project of the Genesis Foundation is its involvement with the International Playwrights Season and its research and development phase at the Royal Court Theatre in London.

John Studzinski is the founder of Genesis Foundation, the arts arm of the Studs Trust, and the founder and chairman of The Genesis Prizes for Opera, which was developed by Jonathan Reekie, Chief Executive of Aldeburgh Productions, with London's Almeida Opera as producers. Another major project of the Genesis Foundation is its involvement with the International Playwrights Season and its research and development phase at the Royal Court Theatre in London.

He gives £1 million a year of his own money to struggling artists, works in a shelter for the homeless, and chairs the campaigning group Human Rights Watch. And in between all of this he puts in a 60-hour week in the City. Who is he? Well, he'd rather you didn't know.