In Thursday’s (8/27) Charlotte Observer, Steven Brown writes, “An anonymous donor will give $500,000 to help the Charlotte Symphony stay afloat if others kick in an equal amount by Dec. 31. The challenge grant, announced Wednesday, comes just days after board members pledged $510,000 beyond their previous contributions to help the orchestra cure its financial troubles. Combined, the donations put the orchestra nearly two-thirds of the way toward the $1.77 million goal of an emergency fund drive it launched in May. The challenge grant is probably the largest donation the orchestra has ever received from an individual for general operating support, executive director Jonathan Martin said. … The orchestra has received the first donation toward matching the challenge grant, [Board Chair Patricia] Rodgers said. A “friend of the symphony” whom Rodgers wouldn’t name pledged $50,000. The orchestra will start the drumbeat for additional matching money today at noon, when it holds a rally at the Square in uptown. The audiences at the orchestra’s classical and pops concerts aren’t the only people affected by the group’s fate. The orchestra plays in the pit for Opera Carolina and N.C. Dance Theatre.”
Photo: The Charlotte Symphony under the direction of Christof Perick
Credit: Patrick Schneider
Posted August 27, 2009
