In Sunday’s (4/1) La Crosse Tribune (Wisconsin), Geri Parlin writes, “When David Reedy took over the presidency of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra board of directors in 2011, he decided to do something big and bold. That’s when he set in motion plans for a $2 million endowment to secure the future of the symphony. The kickoff for the endowment fund campaign is today, and they’ve already got a great start, Reedy said, with three donations of $250,000 each. And to honor the LSO’s 115-year history, the LSO has commissioned Elmer Petersen [pictured], a well-known sculptor from Galesville, to create a piece of artwork, ‘Symphonic Joy,’ which is tentatively planned for Riverside Park to recognize the symphony’s significant role in the community. Richard Record, co-owner of Midwest Family Broadcasting, is paying for the sculpture and chose Petersen as the one to create the artwork. The artwork, which will be completed by fall, will represent a composition of Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy.’ … Reedy said the endowment fund already has two lead gifts of $250,000 each. … He said the orchestra cannot continue to provide concerts and programs from ticket sales alone, which account for only 32 percent of its revenue. … [Reedy said] the existence of a symphony shows this community’s commitment to the arts.”
Posted April 3, 2012
