SWEET SOUNDS MAY BE CUT
Syracuse Symphony Orchestra has begun an emergency campaign to raise $500,000 after it came close to shutting down this summer when it was unable to raise enough cash to cover its $7.4 million budget.
The orchestra was able to stay in business only after an anonymous benefactor gave it enough cash to stay solvent, according to the Syracuse Post-Standard.
To keep operating, a number of cuts in performers' salaries and work schedules have been proposed, but a symphony official said the six programs planned in the coming concert season for Watertown will still be held.
Rande S. Richardson, executive director for the Northern New York Community Foundation, said about $26,500 will be given to the orchestra this year for their performances in Watertown. He said that number has been consistent for the past couple of years.
The foundation established an endowment fund for the orchestra in 1982. Since then, that fund has grown to $463,000.
"This money is provided so we can support the concert series in the Watertown area," he said. "In the original agreement from 1982, it does state that the purpose of the fund is to financially assist with the Watertown concert series. It's unlikely that we would send them money for concerts that aren't performed in the area."
Robert R. Sturtz, president of Slack Chemical Co. in Carthage, said his company has been a supporter of the series for several years.
"They are a very important part to the community," he said. "Watertown is a little short on culture, and the Syracuse Symphony has really nothing but positive things to offer the community."
Vicky A. D'Agostino, director of communications for the orchestra, said that Watertown contributes about 3 percent to the orchestra's annual revenue.
"We've been very forthcoming going into our 50th anniversary season about our financial troubles," she said. "We've had a lot of support from your community. It's proof that you want us to continue here."
In an e-mail to the Times, Music Director Daniel Hege wrote: "The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra is committed to bringing the magic of live orchestral music to people in Watertown and the communities in the North Country. For 40 years, we've played to appreciative audiences in Watertown and we look forward to our 50th anniversary season and beyond."
"We bring a wealth of musical variety to Watertown every season, and the reception we enjoy there is warm, positive and spirited," he wrote. "The ever popular July 4th Spectacular concert is especially near and dear to my heart as your conductor — from the many families who attend, to the 10th Mountain Division contribution, to our 1812 Overture and Stars and Stripes Forever."
To keep itself afloat, cutbacks were made on numerous fronts, according to the Post-Standard. Mr. Hege took a 14 percent cut from his $125,000 salary and benefit package for the upcoming season. Musicians are being asked to approve a shorter 2010-11 season; six weeks will be shaved off the second year of a three-year contract from 40 to 34 weeks, if musicians vote to approve the agreement.
Ms. D'Agostino said the orchestra looks forward to performing for about 10,000 people in Watertown each summer during the outdoor concert in July. She said there are no plans to scratch the Fourth of July performance in Watertown from the schedule.
