Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony stays alive
The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony will play on despite falling short of a funding goal set in early October.
Symphony board chair Bob Astley said the $2.3 million raised from 1,400 individuals, businesses and government entities is enough to keep the orchestra going.
"The community has sent a message. The board is listening," said Astley in a statement. "The KW symphony will continue."
The embattled southwestern Ontario symphony, facing an accumulated deficit of $1.2 million,had hoped toreach$2.5 million in pledges by Oct. 30 or close down.
"While we are not quite at our target of $2.5 million, we are convinced that as fundraising initiatives continue in the coming weeks, we have the capacity to reach or surpass that goal, setting the stage for a sustainable future for the KW symphony."
On Monday's deadline, the symphony had received pledges of $2.05 million and received a final push from a benefit concert that night, falling just short of the goal.
Fall in ticket sales hurt
The symphony had been losing money asa result ofdeclining ticket sales and a grants cut from the Ontario Arts Council. Between 2002 and 2006, total revenue has declined by more than six per cent while expenses increased by close to 11 per cent.
It had also been involved in controversy when conductor Martin Fischer-Dieskau was fired after 18 months in what was reported as a power struggle within the organization.
The symphony's musicians issued a statement during the fundraising drive, apologizing "for the turmoil that alienated some symphony supporters. The divisions within the orchestra have been reconciled, and we are now united."
Astley admitted that the symphony would have to change to reconnect with orchestra-goers.
"While there has been an overwhelming message of support from the community, we have also heard other strong messages â messages about accountability, about planning, about thoughtful rebuilding, and about making a better, more meaningful connection with our audiences," he said.