“The Houston Symphony has launched its 10-year strategic plan on a high note, with a $5 million commitment from Margaret Alkek Williams to support operations, a sustainability fund and an endowed chair for the organization’s executive director and CEO,” writes Molly Glentzer in Wednesday’s (5/20) Houston Chronicle. “It’s the largest single contribution the symphony has received from an individual since 2006…. Symphony board chair Jesse B. Tutor said Williams’ gift is both a vote of confidence in the organization’s ‘Vision 2025’ strategic plan to deepen the orchestra’s community impact and a ‘ringing endorsement’ for the work of executive director and CEO Mark C. Hanson, who arrived five years ago…. Williams rarely misses performances or exhibitions by any of Houston’s major arts organizations. Several years ago she pledged $5 million for Houston Ballet’s Center for Dance…. Hanson said Williams has been an ‘extraordinary advocate’ for the symphony for more than 25 years…. The gift also helped the symphony meet its sustainability fund goal for the 2015 fiscal year…. Her donation will be linked to several artistic projects during the symphony’s 2015-2016 season and beyond, including an opening-night performance Sept. 12 that will honor her 80th birthday.”
Posted May 22, 2015
