Trouble at the Columbus Symphony

[Philidor]

Not a long term solution but the orchestra's got some powerful friends...

In the past few years, the Bexley resident, along with husband Noel, has contributed several million dollars to the financially strapped orchestra -- including $1.75 million in January.

And, although she declined to confirm the idea, she is widely thought to be the anonymous benefactor who this week donated enough money to allow the symphony to finish its season.

The remaining six performances -- possibly the last before the orchestra either downsizes or folds -- will include appearances by cellist Yo-Yo Ma on May 15 and popular composer Marvin Hamlisch on May 30-31.

The Columbus Dispatch

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo97eI7JbvM"]YouTube - The Columbus Gay Men's Chorus Supports SymphonyStrong!![/ame]


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJBB2nbhBFg"]Contract negotiations[/ame]



Link to campaign website

[Philidor]

Douglas Fisher, president of the Central Ohio Federation of Musicians/second bassoonist at the Columbus Symphony Orchestra summarises the current situation at a press conference on May 20, 2008. The orchestra have now sought third party arbitration and await the board’s response. It’s going right to the wire - the orchestra was due to close on 1st June.


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kObYpGO5_nQ"]YouTube - Douglas Fisher speaks at a press conference[/ame]




http://www.symphonymusicians.com/

[Florestan]

Concert news from the musicians of the Columbus Symphony, who are now playing independently of their erstwhile employer.

That is Dublin, Ohio, not Dublin, Ireland.

The Musicians of the Columbus Symphony in Concert!!

The Musicians of the Columbus Symphony have created a concert series this summer and the details can be found on their NEW WEBSITE (www.mcsconcerts.org)!

Of important note are the concerts this coming weekend--Friday and Saturday July 11 and 12.

Family Pops Concert: Dance, Dance, Dance!!

July 11 @ 7:30 pm
Coffman Amphitheater
Dublin Community Recreation Center, Dublin

The Musicians of the Columbus Symphony
John Deliman, conductor
Music TBA from the stage

Tickets (cash only) at the gate:
$10 for adults
$5 for children under 12
______________________________________

Light Classics Concert Series: Orchestra Spectacular!

July 12 @ 7:30 pm
Veterans Memorial Auditorium

The Musicians of the Columbus Symphony
Jaime Morales-Matos, Conductor
Music TBA onstage

Tickets:
$20 at the door
$20 online (+ $2 per ticket service charge)

All details can be found on the NEW MCS website found at:
www.mcsconcerts.org

Volunteers are still needed for the Saturday evening concert. If you would be willing to volunteer at this crucial moment, please email DONNA GERHOLD (gerhold@insight.rr.com) as soon as possible!!!

[maureen]

i think it's a funding issue
as in someone has absconded with the funds

i mean how much really could it cost?

all joking aside
it's appalling
columbus is a big city
and it's named after the finder of america
(if you ignore vespuci (sic)
we're europeans
we listen to classical music
we are losing our ties to the motherland

we are degrading ourselves in the wilderness
we are becoming scorpions in a cultural desert

we've lost the visual arts
must we lose the one last thing that makes us cultured beings
just as we've managed to disseminate it into the hinterlands?

[Florestan]

It is very sad. Unfortunately, public funding (the only way to have any kind of arts programme with integrity and sustainable quality) is under attack everywhere.

[maureen]

and it is a ridiculous situation because as has already been mentioned
sports are funded through stadiums, subsidies, advertising, etc.
likewise business conventions (most convention centers receive city, state or even federal funds)
heck we'll fund super radio arrays to listen for aliens
but won't pay for the arts

[Philidor]

Symphony management and musicians continue to bombard each other’s positions. The management locked the musicians out on 1st June 2008 and canceled all benefits, including health insurance, on 30th June. They’ve now taken to insulting the musicians in press statements:

The musicians’ strategy of attacking the Board and community for not providing more support – despite the fact the CSO receives more support than any other performing arts organization -- has harmed fundraising prospects.

Source

= these damned blowers and scrapers should keep their pesky mouths shut about how we've messed up funding the orchestra




http://www.symphonymusicians.com/news.htm#currentnews

[Philidor]

Final concert:

Links:

Columbus Symphony Orchestra Musicians' Home Page
Columbus Symphony Musicians Blog
The Buzzing Reed- Blog of David Thomas, Principal Clarinet, Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Carpe Diem String Quartet
Symphony Columbus
Proud Supporters of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Women In Music-Columbus

[Florestan]

Heaven knows these people don't need a PR department. They are absolutely kicking the arse of their erstwhile employers.



Long may they prevail. I hope they simply carry on under their own management. I'm sure it will be a huge success.

[Florestan]

I just got a new announcement from them at facebook

Can WE save the MUSIC?

To all Proud Supporters of OUR Columbus Symphony Orchestra,

Please read this:

> Cleveland Plain Dealer: "Columbus Symphony is on the brink: can Central Ohio save the music?" (7/28)

Link location:
http://www.cleveland.com/entertainme...must_live.html

Donald Rosenberg of the Cleveland Plain Dealer asks Central Ohioans whether or not we can save the music? I think that Mr. Rosenberg has said it. Save the MUSIC. It is about the art. It is up to us as a proud, collective group to step up and show support for the MUSIC and OUR Orchestra this coming weekend for the final "Light Classics" summer pops concert featuring the well-loved Maestro Junichi Hirokami.

Also playing will be The Ohio State University Marching Band! A packed, enthusiastic audience would highly encourage and energize the Musicians and Maestro of OUR Columbus Symphony!!

Remember to come early for tailgating!! The theme of the evening is "Brats! Buckeyes! & Brahms!?"

Details can be found at:
http://www.proudsupportersofthecolum...y.blogspot.com
www.symphonycolumbus.com
www.mcsconcerts.org