In Saturday’s (1/9) Salt Lake Tribune (Utah), Celia R. Baker writes, “The foundation of Utah’s arts community is trembling as the Utah Symphony and other arts groups, like their peers nationally, struggle through a recession. A million-dollar gift from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation will keep the state’s flagship arts organization playing awhile longer, but more life support is needed to ensure the orchestra’s survival. For Utahns, there is more at stake than the possible loss of a music ensemble.” Baker includes laudatory comments from several arts and public figures, including Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker; Bob Farrington, economic-development director for Salt Lake City; Terence Kern, conductor of Ballet West’s Utah Chamber Orchestra; Robert Walzel, director of the University of Utah’s School of Music; Neil Hendriksen, president of Utah Music Teachers Association, professional pit orchestra musician; Mac Christensen, businessman and president of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. Says Becker, “The Utah Symphony helps define Salt Lake City as a leader among cities in the country for performing arts. To me, that’s integral to being among great American cities.”
Posted January 11, 2010
