State Budget Grants Critical Funding to the Symphony
Regular website visitors will know that financially 2008-09 was a tremendously difficult year, and that the Symphony struggled to navigate the troubled economy. In response to the challenges, musicians, staff, and conductors all accepted compensation reductions; guest artists, guest conductors, and music costs were reduced significantly; major projects were postponed; and the season itself reprogrammed. Overall expenses for this coming season were reduced from $14.1 million to $11.9 million.
It is therefore with relief and a deep sense of gratitude that I report that the 2009-10 state budget includes an additional $2 million for your North Carolina Symphony, increasing state funding from $2.25 to $4.25 million. Both chambers of the legislature gave the budget their final approval on Wednesday, and the Governor signed it into law today. The bulk of this funding comes in the form of a match, by which the state will provide $1.5 million in matching funds to the Symphony as we generate $8 million from the private sector.
Especially in light of the difficult circumstances facing the state in this budget year, this funding reaffirms the critical role your orchestra plays in our state, whether one thinks about it as economic development, statewide service, or education. It’s also a reaffirmation of the unique public-private partnership that we have forged with the state over the past 60-some years. We’re enormously fortunate to have such a partner in the State of North Carolina, and this funding allows us to continue our unique dual missions of statewide service and music education.
We will work tirelessly to live up to our end of the bargain by meeting the terms of the match, and we will need your help to do it. Private support has always been a critical piece of our funding and now it is even more so. Whether you are a regular or infrequent donor, we hope you’ll be motivated to make this the moment when you support your statewide orchestra. Use the convenient “Donate Now” button on our homepage, or call us (919.733.2750) and we’ll be pleased to talk to you about giving levels and donor benefits.
Our music director Grant Llewellyn put it very nicely in a recent newspaper interview when he said that great music comes in all shapes and sizes, and we absolutely believe that to be true. Just as it has for 77 years, the Symphony will present an orchestra of the highest artistic standard that enriches our souls, entertains our citizens, and educates our children. Again, we convey our sincere thanks to our state legislature for committing these funds and we look forward to rallying the community to support its orchestra.
Good Time