The International Conference of Symphony and Orchestra Musicians (ICSOM) has launched a fundraising drive to help the musicians of the Puerto Rico Symphony, who have experienced severe hardship due to Hurricane Maria in September. “News reports of the catastrophic and dire conditions have shown us the need for ICSOM to respond in an unprecedented way,” states a notice on the ICSOM web site. “A member of ICSOM since 2003, the Puerto Rico Symphony was founded in 1958 by acclaimed cellist Pablo Casals. … The orchestra’s timpanist Jose Martin serves as their ICSOM delegate. Although the [ICSOM] Governing Board was in touch with Jose the day before Maria arrived and devastated the island, it took nearly two weeks to receive word from Jose again due to the lack of cell coverage and electricity. Here is a portion of his message: ‘We’ve heard from 10-15% of the musicians, some lost their homes to floods or the winds. … The musicians, as they emerge and get in touch, are stating that the orchestra will be playing for the different communities and at shelters and fund raisers for all the people affected by the hurricane. Thank you so much from the depths of our hearts!” Click here for more information.
Posted October 6, 2017
