In Thursday’s (4/12) Sacramento Bee (California), Edward Ortiz writes, “With corporate donations running well below expectations, the Sacramento Philharmonic orchestra says it will close if it can’t raise $150,000 in the next month. The 15-year-old symphony said it needs to raise twice that much—$300,000—before it can consider presenting a 2012-13 season of concerts starting in the fall. ‘We have had a very difficult season, and this follows other difficult seasons,’ said Jane Hill, interim executive director. ‘This year the orchestra experienced a drastic decline in nonrestricted corporate income.’ At 4:30 p.m. today, the orchestra will make a public appeal for contributions at the Sutter Club in downtown Sacramento. Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, and other supporters will be on hand.” The article also cites Sacramento’s opera, ballet, and theater companies as facing budget gaps. “Hill said the Philharmonic is considering four options, one of which its board will approve at a meeting in late April. The most drastic steps include closing the organization altogether or canceling the 2012-13 season. Also on the table is the idea of offering a severely truncated season or sticking with a regular season, but neither of those scenarios is likely unless donations pour in, Hill said.”
Posted April 12, 2012
