Economy batters N.C. Symphony

April 24, 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Amid dwindling donations and looming cuts in state funding, the North Carolina Symphony is taking drastic measures to keep its doors open, The News & Observer reported April 24.

The group has canceled upcoming performances featuring prominent musicians and conductors, reduced the number of pops concerts and canceled a planned European tour.

And at a recent concert, lead conductor Grant Llewellyn took the unusual step of asking for donations.

"As much as I like to dream and build castles in the sky as a musician and artistic director, I have to be realistic about the economy," he told the News & Observer.

The symphony, which celebrates its 75^th anniversary this year, has not cut back on its visits to schools to provide educational concerts.

Revenues for the organization, which has an annual budget of $13.6 million, are down and it has borrowed $3.4 million of its $5 million credit line.

For the past 15 years, the symphony has received $1.8 million a year from the state, with an additional $500,000 each year over the last six years. The Senate now is proposing the state cut that additional $500,000 infusion.

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