The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra cut its upcoming season from 40 to 34 weeks today in an effort to endure dwindling funds. Meanwhile, the orchestra needs to raise $500,000 to cover the deficit in its $7.4 million budget, says The Watertown Daily Times. Faced with possibility of shutting down for the summer, the SSO managed to keep its doors open with help from an anonymous benefactor.

The orchestra has been operating with deficits since 2007 and, in an attempt to allay further erosion, has shortened its coming season from 40 to 34 weeks after approval from the musician’s union (Syracuse.com). Currently feeling for its bootstraps, the symphony has hired both a branding firm and its old director, Jeffry Comanici, as consultants to tackle the crisis. To date, the SSO has raised $1.93 million in gifts and grants to cover the 2010 season, with that number set to break $2 million in order for the organization to stay solvent.

There have been several attempts to deal with the decrease in income, including a pay cut for music director Daniel Hege and a two year pay freeze beginning in 2009 for the musicians. Now, it is up to donors and the board to support the organization, and give it the time and the chance to overhaul its earning power.

Financially troubled Syracuse Symphony Orchestra faces the music, syracuse.com.
Sweet Sounds May Be Cut, The Watertown Daily Times.

Posted on August 14th, 2010 at 12:57 am | Filed under Articles of Interest, Features |