Marc von May, a passionate philanthropist, private investor, and long-time advocate for the arts and supporter of the Peabody Institute, passed away on May 6, 2025, at the age of 74. Born in Bern, Switzerland, von May had a remarkable career that spanned multiple fields, including law, investment, and tax consulting. A graduate of top European institutions, he earned doctoral degrees in French business law, U.K. and U.S. common law, and international management before launching his professional career with Nestlé, Citibank, and later as an investment advisor in New York City.
Alongside von May’s business success, his profound dedication to the performing arts defined much of his legacy. From 2019 until his passing, von May served on the Peabody Institute Advisory Board, where his generosity helped shape a brighter future for young artists. Believing strongly in the value of business training for artists, he established the Marc C. von May Distinguished Chair of Professional Studies at the Conservatory and was later inspired to endow the Marc C. von May Distinguished Chair of Vocal Studies. In addition, von May supported scholarships for Conservatory Voice and Cello students and was a benefactor of Preparatory programs like Tuned-In and the Estelle Dennis/Peabody Dance Training Program for Boys.
Marc von May, a passionate philanthropist, private investor, and long-time advocate for the arts and supporter of the Peabody Institute, passed away on May 6, 2025, at the age of 74. Born in Bern, Switzerland, von May had a remarkable career that spanned multiple fields, including law, investment, and tax consulting. A graduate of top European institutions, he earned doctoral degrees in French business law, U.K. and U.S. common law, and international management before launching his professional career with Nestlé, Citibank, and later as an investment advisor in New York City.
Alongside von May’s business success, his profound dedication to the performing arts defined much of his legacy. From 2019 until his passing, von May served on the Peabody Institute Advisory Board, where his generosity helped shape a brighter future for young artists. Believing strongly in the value of business training for artists, he established the Marc C. von May Distinguished Chair of Professional Studies at the Conservatory and was later inspired to endow the Marc C. von May Distinguished Chair of Vocal Studies. In addition, von May supported scholarships for Conservatory Voice and Cello students and was a benefactor of Preparatory programs like Tuned-In and the Estelle Dennis/Peabody Dance Training Program for Boys.
Shortly before his passing, von May committed his largest gift to date, and one of the most generous gifts in Peabody’s history. This $3 million commitment established the Marc C. von May Faculty Excellence Fund at Peabody, dedicated to recruitment and retention of stellar faculty and supporting additional professional development activities. The fund has already been activated to bring Hip Hop legend Lupe Fiasco to the Peabody campus as an associate professor this fall.
A strong believer in the Latin phrase mens sana in corpore sano (“a sound mind in a sound body”), von May’s personal commitment to physical health through activities such as ballroom dancing, swimming, and walking, was an extension of his philosophy that movement enhances reason. In addition to his generosity to Peabody, he was a strong supporter of the American Ballet Theatre and the Metropolitan Opera.
“Marc didn’t just support the arts—he understood their deeper value and championed them with dedication,” noted Fred Bronstein, dean of the Peabody Institute. “His presence was steady and generous, and he leaves behind a meaningful imprint on this institution.”