“Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians are calling on Gov. Larry Hogan to release $1.6 million in funds designated for the orchestra … one day after BSO management announced plans to scale back the group’s season and cancel its summer concerts,” writes Amanda Yeager in Friday’s (5/31) Baltimore Business Journal. “General Assembly … lawmakers set aside $1.6 million for the orchestra in fiscal 2020, which starts July 1, as well as another $1.6 million in fiscal 2021…. State law gives Hogan the choice whether to release the fiscal 2020 funds. The Republican governor allowed the BSO bill to pass into law without his signature on May 24…. Hogan spokeswoman Shareese Churchill said in an email that the additional funding set aside for the orchestra ‘is currently under review.’ She noted … the governor is ‘in active discussions’ with the BSO about a $1 million bridge loan that could be used to cover operating expenses and pay off debts…. The [musicians’] contract expired last fall. [Orchestra CEO Peter] Kjome, a former professional oboist, said he hopes to find a long-term solution soon … ‘that will allow us to continue to have an exceptional orchestra and an orchestra that’s in a stronger position,’ ” he said.
Posted June 4, 2019
