In Monday’s (11/23) Herald (Everett, Washington), Theresa Goffredo writes, “The stagnant economy has sucked in another victim as declining ticket sales and a drop in corporate and private donations are forcing the Everett Symphony to make some painful cutbacks to save the orchestra. Patrons will feel that pain immediately. Though the family and children’s programming will continue for now, the Everett Symphony is considering the cancellation of the remainder of its primary adult concerts after completing its scheduled December performances, unless the symphony board, the musicians and the community can come up with a plan and the money to continue. … Key staff positions will be eliminated, most notably that of the symphony’s music director, Paul-Elliott Cobbs, who has been at that post for more than 25 years and taken the symphony to international levels with performances in Europe and a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall in 2006. Cobbs, 58, is the music director and the symphony’s conductor. The music director role is a full-time gig that ‘exceeds our current financial abilities,’ symphony board president Myrna Overstreet said.” The article also includes comments from Cobbs, musicians, board members, and others.
Photo: Everett Theatre, primary venue of the Everett Symphony
Posted November 23, 2009
