In Sunday’s (3/3) Florida Times-Union, David Bauerlein writes, “The financially struggling Jacksonville Symphony Association is bringing back David L. Pierson as president, hoping to restore the financial and attendance growth the orchestra boasted during his previous tenure from 1988 to 1996. Pierson will replace Stacy Ridenour, who has been executive director of the symphony association since 2008. Ridenour will move to a new role focused on fundraising. The management changes, effective March 18, come on the heels of a consultant saying the organization must revamp its management before it has a shot at boosting revenue to close recurring budget shortfalls. … Pierson, a Jacksonville resident, said Saturday night he is returning to the symphony association because music has been a lifelong passion and the orchestra is a ‘cultural anchor’ for the city. He noted the association is in the midst of finding a replacement for Fabio Mechetti, the outgoing music director and principal director. … ‘It’s a great opportunity to re-energize the city and focus on what’s going on with the orchestra.’ … The symphony association recently hired Henry Fogel, a former president of the League of American Orchestras, to review the organization. … Fogel’s report said the association has significant opportunities to increase revenue, but it will take ‘institutional and cultural changes to start exploiting that potential.’ … Pierson said he wants to increase revenue by expanding the number of programs and audience members—‘more options and more people,’ he said.”
Posted March 4, 2013
