Friday, February 27, 2009

Cirque de la Symphonie


For me, the debate always returns to whether or not orchestras should involve extraneous performers or acts to glitz up the concert. Does this take away from the music itself? Is this somehow a way to get those not interested in classical music to attend? Or, is this a way to make the symphony orchestra more approachable, not so lofty in its aim and intentions? As evidenced by the full house that night, this concert was a giant success, and those who do not normally attend BSO concerts were drawn by its appeal. I'll have to attend another pops concert for more "research," but in the meantime, it's certainly safe to say I had a good time.


The College Night reception had good food and great prizes. A Hopkins student won the Baltimore harbor cruise in the raffle and just about flipped her lid with excitement. The gymnasts came out for the concert and mingled through the crowd. (Pictures are up on the BSO fan page.) I heard through the grapevine that all the student tickets were sold out for that concert, so you might want to get your $10 tickets for April's Romeo and Radiohead concert early!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

URGENT - REJECT THE STATE BUDGET CUTS TO THE ARTS

Friends of the BSO and the arts in general,
Please take some time to read this letter and follow the instructions below. The arts have suffered enough without a significant cut in the MD State Arts Council budget in these hard economic times.
Thanks,
Elizabeth


Dear Friend,

As many of you know, the Governor's proposed FY10 budget includes a drastic 36% cut to the Maryland State Arts Council. If passed, this would be a devastating blow to the arts community. For the BSO, this would represent a cut of $700,000 on the FY10 budget (2009-10 concert season).

Please take a moment to click on the following link, enter your zip code, and write to your elected representative. There is an already scripted letter, which you can use as is, or feel free to edit. I can't emphasize enough how important it is that our legislators hear from us – silence will be taken as acceptance.

Thank you,

Paul Meecham
President & CEO