In Friday’s (11/8) Crain’s New York Business, Theresa Agovino writes that the Brooklyn Philharmonic’s board is “seeking ways to keep the doors open, such as finding a major cash infusion or a merger partner to avoid having to file for bankruptcy, sources close to the institution said…. At this point, the orchestra … has no staff, no season and meager financial assets. The orchestra played its last and only concert of the 2012-2013 season in June, and after that, Artistic Director Alan Pierson’s contract wasn’t renewed.… ‘The board of directors is considering all options,’ said Jack Rainey, the board’s chairman, in a statement…. The orchestra was forced to cancel its 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons and stopped using the Brooklyn Academy of Music as the main venue for its big concerts in 2009 because it was too expensive to perform there. Grants, contributions and fees fell by half during the five years ended June 2012, to $1.4 million.… Earlier this year this orchestra said it was moving ahead with long-delayed plans to move into [a renovated firehouse]. However, sources say the project is on hold. Mr. Pierson is still praised for his vision, but creativity was never really the Brooklyn Philharmonic’s problem. ‘It needs a good business plan,’ said Jesse Rosen, president of the League of American Orchestras.”
Posted November 11, 2013
