Wednesday (12/5) on Huffington Post, League of American Orchestras President and CEO Jesse Rosen writes, “The 18th century composer Johann Sebastian Bach would have been too politically correct to comment on the so-called fiscal cliff debate. But his ominous, even chilling, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 says plenty. … Even if you’re hearing it for the first time, you can see why I think Bach’s bold anthem could easily be the soundtrack of the fiscal cliff hanger, especially as it relates to American charitable organizations—from hospitals to homeless shelters, community senior centers and health clinics to programs for returning wounded war veterans. I will proudly be among the thousands of diverse nonprofit leaders taking our case to Congress for Protect Giving – DC (#ProtectGiving) in my capacity as head of the League of American Orchestras and on behalf of our more than 800 member orchestras from across the country. … The vast majority of America’s orchestras have managed to hold their own, many successfully re-inventing themselves against long odds. Among the many reasons for their progress has been an ability to build stronger community-based relationships with aligned nonprofits and to continually demonstrate their civic value to donors, many of them individuals. … We strongly agree with the experts who predict that if deductions are limited or capped, taxpayers—and not just those in the highest tax brackets—will make their own cuts and likely reduce their charitable giving. … How can you help? Please tell your elected officials to protect the charitable deduction here.” Rosen is shown with New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Bassoonist and League Board member Bob Wagner.
Posted December 6, 2012
