“A grassroots effort to save the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra has more than 1,800 ‘likes’ on Facebook but is unlikely to change anything,” writes Paul Srubas in Sunday’s (5/11) Green Bay Press-Gazette (Wisconsin). The orchestra announced earlier this month that the 2014-15 season will be its last. “ ‘There were two years of research and discussion that led up to this decision,’ said [Executive Director] Dan Linssen.… ‘We met with focus groups of community leaders, groups of musicians … major donors, corporate sponsors—a lot of people over the past two years—before coming to this conclusion…. We appreciate the level of concern and support that has been shown by all those folks, but … there’s nothing new that isn’t something we haven’t done, tried or at least thought about in any way shape or form…. For the past 18 years, the Green Bay Symphony has struggled financially,’ Linssen said…. The Green Bay Symphony Orchestra hopes to finish out on a high note with five concerts next season. It also will maintain its three youth orchestras for the period…. ‘That’s a very viable entity, a very successful youth program that enjoys tremendous financial support, so that will continue.’ ”
Posted May 14, 2014
