In Saturday’s (3/19) The State (Charleston, South Carolina), Adam Parker writes, “It had appeared not very long ago that the Charleston Symphony Orchestra would be strangled by financial distress and contractual disputes. … But after struggling to resolve its labor and legal problems, cope with the death of its longtime music director, David Stahl, and come to terms with the dismissal of several full-time musicians, the symphony orchestra is back on the stage of the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium tonight and looking forward to a rich 2011-12 season. … The current season, which started late, is the Charleston Symphony’s 75th, and it’s a chance for the ensemble, now reduced to 24 full-time players and a budget of $1.3 million, to find its footing and develop a new strategy. Part of that strategy involves new leadership and new fundraising efforts. Danny Beckley, 31, was named executive director in December, and board member John H. Warren III was elected president a month later. Warren replaced Ted Legasey, who led the orchestra through the difficult negotiations. Warren said he wants half the board to consist of new members. Eight people already have joined, and another 12 are sought. … Beckley said the CSO is adopting a “three-pronged approach” that presents symphony concerts, offers an array of new chamber music programming and continues to provide educational services.”
Posted March 21, 2011
