“The Beaufort Symphony Orchestra is looking for help to keep from canceling the final events of its season in the face of declining ticket sales and donations,” writes Stephen Fastenau in Monday’s (11/23) Beaufort Gazette (Hilton Head, S.C.). “The group of musicians is celebrating its 30th anniversary…. Ed Like, president of the orchestra’s board of directors … penned an open letter to Beaufort residents this week detailing the orchestra’s financial troubles and asking for support. He said the orchestra needs a little more than $30,000…. In addition, the Beaufort Symphony Youth Orchestra’s season would also be discontinued…. Symphony director Frederick Devyatkin said … a combination of an ambitious schedule for the 30th anniversary … has added financial pressure. The symphony emptied its reserves to build a platform for $15,000 when it moved from the USCB Performing Arts Center to Sea Island Presbyterian Church, Like said…. Appeals to nonprofit organizations for donations have been unsuccessful, board vice president and fundraising leader Fran Newton said Monday.” December and February concerts will proceed, but “a combined performance with the young musicians scheduled for April at Beaufort High School is in doubt, Newton said, as is a season-ending ‘Slavic Swing’ in May.”
Posted November 25, 2015
