“Emil Albanese is taking the reins as president of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, which will open the spring season with a concert and gala in May,” writes Chase Wright in Saturday’s (2/5) Norwalk News (Connecticut). “Albanese replaces outgoing president Allen Raymond, who at 88 years old is stepping down this month to oversee the management of the May concert. The symphony’s Executive Committee unanimously endorsed Albanese as president Friday morning. The full board will vote on his appointment later this month. … The NSO decided last month to cancel its three remaining concerts of the winter season, citing mounting financial liabilities. The symphony has aired only two shows this season, including a free benefit concert last October. Albanese, who is also chairman of the Norwalk Redevelopment Commission, said that besides raising $10,000 in donations, the free benefit concert created a buzz in the community, which the symphony has lacked in recent years. … The symphony also plans to reimburse its subscribers, who missed out on the close of this season, with tickets to the May performance and gala. … ‘We want to give to the subscribers something that says, ‘we’re going to be here next year and long after that,’ Albanese said.”
Posted February 7, 2011
