“Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, celebrating its 40th anniversary season this year, is taking a hard look at its operations, with the goal of making changes that will help it survive another 40,” writes Janelle Gelfand in Sunday’s (3/30) Cincinnati Enquirer (Ohio). “Last week, the board announced it was eliminating its executive director position. Even as it searches for a new music director to succeed the departing Mischa Santora, the orchestra is pondering big changes to both its business model and its season structure.… The chamber orchestra has established a reputation for innovative programming for small (32-piece) orchestra, fresh artists and groundbreaking collaborations with other local arts groups.… But financially, it has struggled since losing a $75,000 foundation grant five years ago. That, combined with a decline in corporate giving and the hiring of two full-time employees two years ago caused red ink…. [Board president Jennifer Funk] is striving to bring more ‘fiscal responsibility and financial sustainability’ for the organization…. ‘We deliver high-quality music, and we have great musicians. We think we have a reason to be here,’ Funk says. ‘Quite frankly, we’re excited. It’s fun to be able to create something new, and breathe new life into the organization.’ ”
Posted April 1, 2014
