N.C. Symphony aims to raise $8 million

October 8, 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. - In an effort to qualify for $1.5 million in state funding, the North Carolina Symphony is working to raise $8 million in private gifts, The News & Observer reported Oct. 8.

The special appropriation from state lawmakers, along with the new donations, will help the symphony make up for last year's $1.2 million deficit and address the $3.8 million it owes lenders.

Already, the group has cut its budget to $11.9 million from $14.1 million, in part by cutting musicians' compensation by 17 percent, canceling a European tour and reducing the number of concerts it performs.

To raise the $8 million in matching funds, the symphony has planned a series of special efforts, including a recent silent auction that drew a $10,000 bid for an in-home concert by violinist Joshua Bell.

Conductor Grant Llewellyn also has been making appeals for donations from the podium during concerns.

The symphony receives $2.2 million from the state each year, and in recent years has lobbied for and received an additional $500,000.

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