Portland Symphony Cut Back (Hope: sales, closing, live)

[elston]

I received notice from the Portland Symphony Orchestra that its programs are fallling victim to the current economic situation.....despite record growth in ticket sales and attendance as well as tremendous critical and artistic success the Symphony is facing extreme challenges...

Force to confront immediate needs.....the following steps are being taken:

* Cancelling all summer programs including Independence Pops
* Canceling Side by Side program with the Portland Youth Orchestra
* Reducing Educational programming that operate at a loss
* Cutting 20% of administrative staff
* Cutting Senior staff pay by 10%
* Budget Freezes and reductions across all departments
* Exploring fundraising inititives

The Symphony adds so much to the community...this is indeed sorry news. Hopefully the fund raising drive will restore some of the services and some Angels and Patrons will give generously .... We are poorer indeed without music and the arts.

[maja]

That is very sad, indeed. When we were investigating our move to the area, we deemed the symphony as a definite perk. I know that every area, even basic services are being cut; but the arts can bring such light to our lives in dark times...

[elston]

Originally Posted by maja

That is very sad, indeed. When we were investigating our move to the area, we deemed the symphony as a definite perk. I know that every area, even basic services are being cut; but the arts can bring such light to our lives in dark times...

Yes, and in their closing sentence they pretty much said the same as you said, "All of us attend the Symphony for many different reasons, and the shared experience of a personal interaction with live music can be especially powerful during challenging times."

The PSO has a long and fine traditon, a beautiful and historic concert hall and a brand new and energetic Music Director/Maestro....I am sure it will continue and will rebound....we just may have to find the generosity to support this fine and valuable institution. It adds a great richness to the community and makes Portland just a little more special and attractive.

[lrfox]

It's a shame, but I'm hopeful it's only a temporary set of cuts. I doubt PSO is going anywhere, it's just too vital to the community. I was sad to read this in the news though.

I'm hopeful that this news will bring supporters out of the woodwork. This should be a wake up call for the people who enjoy the PSO without donating beyond admission (throw me in this group). I'd be surprised if come summer time, all of the summer programs were still "cut."

*Edit* Elston, I tried to rep you for creating this thread, but I need to spread it.

[elston]

Not to worry about the reps Irfox......

I hope others see this as a worthy cause and that the community will come together to support this wonderful part of our community.