CSO feels pinch
Board president shocks some with news that $250,000 needed to get through Dec.
By Dottie Ashley
In its 72-year history, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra has had its moments of near demise.
But rarely have things looked this bleak.
The Post and Courier
Dr. Mariano La Via makes phone calls Monday evening to raise money to keep the orchestra going. 'I think it's essential to do this,' he said, 'I love the music. I'm not willing to give it up.' La Via and others were using a meeting room in Suntrust Bank downtown.
CSO board president Ted Legasey shocked some audience members Saturday during intermission of the Masterworks concert when he announced they could be attending the final CSO concert of 2008 unless the group raises $250,000 immediately to pay for the month of December.
Because of the dire situation, up to a dozen musicians and five board members got together Monday at a hastily assembled phone bank at the CSO's offices at 145 King St.
Each caller was given a script: board members were to call lapsed donors and ask for $1,000; musicians were to call subscribers who are not donors and ask for $100.
"But accept any amount at all," Emily Rybinski, CSO's director of public relations, told them.
Among the musicians present, with his violin case close at hand, was Yuriy Bekker, the CSO concertmaster. "I'm not really that surprised because of the economy, and I wanted to do my part," he said.
Previous stories
Theater fights for life, published 11/18/08
Hanging On: Art gallery owners worry about the financial downturn, published 11/03/08
As two local organizations hire new chiefs, nonpro?t pay is getting a closer look, publihsed 05/05/08
CSO makes play for cash; Tired of falling financially short, symphony looks long-term, published 09/13/06
The first 30 minutes yielded mixed results. Board member Randy Gilmore had two lucky calls: One person said even though he was in poor financial shape, Legasey's speech Saturday prompted him to donate. Another person who had donated $1,000 last year but hadn't given any this year agreed to contribute $1,000 by Dec. 1.
Board member Mariano La Via wasn't as lucky. "Three phone calls and three answering machines," he said in his Italian accent, "but I'm keeping on trying."
CSO officials say another phone plea might be held tonight.
Earlier Monday, Legasey said, "We are perilously close to not being able to make payroll for December. On Friday, I informed the musicians of this so they can make appropriate plans."
The board president said the infusion of $250,000 would get the CSO through Jan. 3. After that, the orchestra is scheduled to get some money from the city of Charleston and the town of Kiawah Island, but that is not expected to be enough to make January's payroll.
The Post and Courier
Trombonist Bill Zehfuss (right) who has played with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra for 22 years, makes phone calls on Monday evening to raise money for the struggling orchestra. Executive Director Janet Newcomb works with a board member on the solicitation effort at the orchestra's offices at Suntrust Bank downtown.
"We are behind $1 million for our budget this fiscal year because people are just not buying tickets," Legasey said. "We need $1 million to get us through May, when our season ends."
Monday morning, musicians met with members of the union to which they belong, Coastal Carolina Association of Professional Musicians Local 502, of the American Federation of Musicians, and discussed the provisions of the current contract between the musicians and orchestra association. The hope was that CSO management and the union could work together to find a way to keep the orchestra afloat.
Of the two-hour gathering, Legasey said, "This was an information-gathering meeting so that the musicians could understand where we, as management, stand on this and then can relay the information to the other musicians.
"The musicians may decide to form a committee and negotiate with us. I don't know," Legasey said.
"The board of directors is committed to the preservation of the symphony and the well-being of its players and their families; however, we must make some painful operating reductions if we are to get through this season. The jeopardy the orchestra faces is real," he said.
More info
For more information on tickets and performances, visit these Web sites:
CHARLESTON STAGE: charlestonstage.com
PURE THEATRE: puretheatre.org/
CHARLESTON BALLET THEATRE: charlestonballet.com/
THE VILLAGE PLAYHOUSE: thevillageplayhouse.com
FOOTLIGHT PLAYERS: footlightplayers.net
ROBERT IVEY BALLET: robertiveyballet.com/
THEATRE 99: thehavenots.com/
Harpist Kathleen Wilson, who has performed with the CSO for 22 years and makes $22,000, said she is worried about losing her job.
"This is very serious, and although my husband works with an industry and I teach a few harp classes, we have two children to support," she said. She also is a Charleston City Council member. She said the city plans to give the CSO $116,000 in January, a 20 percent reduction from last year.
The revenue for CSO single-ticket sales is down 32 percent, Executive Director Janet Newcomb said.
"We were doing very well in subscription sales up until the economic downturn hit us," she said.
Newcomb said the board had projected a deficit of $68,000 for the $2.9 million 2007-08 budget, but the official audit increased the deficit to $229,661.
Even though the CSO has two endowments administered by the Coastal Community Foundation, Newcomb said the limit on disbursement from each one could not exceed 4 percent.
Newcomb said a bright financial spot is that the Backstage Pass series, held in Memminger Auditorium, has met its single-ticket sales goals for the first two performances this season. Also, the CSO recently received a sponsorship from the Ginn Development Co. and other first-time grants from a number of corporations.
"Our big hope is that the town of Kiawah will give the CSO a level line-item grant of $50,000 in January," Newcomb said.
However, Legasey said, "More than half of our revenues must come from contributions and sponsorships from the community. In this current economy, it is very hard to see how the needed level of support will be there."
Reach Dottie Ashley at 937-5704 or dashley@postandcourier.com.
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islandbenzbc (anonymous) says...
This is a shame but people have to pay their bills and feed their families before donating to causes like this...businesses that might donate have to cut back to survive, tough choices have to be made. I do however wish the CSO luck in their fund raising efforts...
November 18, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IronWoman (anonymous) says...
I would be very sad to see the CSO suffer through a few months of hardship, but unfortunately that is the state our economy is in right now. My husband was let go from his job, due to the slow economy, and he can't simply make phone calls asking people for donations to help us through this hard time. I wish it was that easy. Best of luck to the orchestra members, and welcome to 'life'.
November 18, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Inspired (anonymous) says...
Slow economic times indeed mean cutting back on discretionary expenses but they also mean digging deeper to support the local nonprofit sector. Nonprofit employees work year round to provide not only entertainment and joy through the arts as the CSO and other arts organizations do; but also in providing basic social services, education programming, and health-related support. This holiday season think about trimming commercial-related expenses through elaborate gift-giving and support your local nonprofit economy. It's not just the "Nutcracker" that will be lost, it will be the spirit of what Alexis de Tocqueville remarked as being so unique about our country. Please continue to give this holiday season. Isn't that what the essence of the holidays truly are?
November 18, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Beethoven, Mozart etc were the equiv of rock stars of their day and there are a lot of folks that enjoy their music today, but apparently not enough to make it pay all the bills. This is nothing new - CSO has had problems for a long time. I don't know what the solution is, but it would be sad if we lost the talented folks who can play this wonderful music.
November 18, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chaswaves (anonymous) says...
To be honest I am so sick and tired of reading how the Symphony is going under. I agree with Neponset, it seems they have been struggling for years. You don't hear much from other arts organizations if they are struggling or not- nor do you read about them begging the community for money over and over again in the P&C. Maybe other performing groups just know how to manage their money better. Their budget is not that much larger then other arts groups and it seems they get way more money from Local & State governments. If you did a budget to City grant ratio, I am sure it is much more then any other non-profit might get. I suggest the government stops throwing their money away and looks at other organizations that manage it better. Let the Symphony fold. They may need to to get their ducks in a row and then come back stronger once better organized and more fiscally responsible. Obviously what they are doing isn't working.
November 18, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Teach7775 (anonymous) says...
I used to work for the CSO. 95% of the musicians are arrogant snobs. I feel bad for the 5% who are not.....
November 18, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
weezeedee (anonymous) says...
It is very reasonable to ask the CSO to demonstrate what it is doing now and going forward to be fiscally responsible, in fact such an interview would make a great Post and Courier piece. But it is unfair to assume that the problems right now are entirely managerial, and forget that the national economy even has AUTOMAKERS begging, who have not shown fiscal responsibility and, other than provide american jobs, have little to offer. The CSO has inspiration and solace to offer us. I'll take that over a gas-guzzler any day.
November 18, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
just_my_opinion (anonymous) says...
These are indeed hard times for everyone. It is important to remember that these are real PEOPLE with families, just like the average worker. CSO members are well integrated into our community, working at our churches, and teaching our children. Sorry for your bitterness Teach7775. I find it sad that in this economic climate that you would be so opportunistic to slam the individuals of the symphony. There are only forty-something musicians in the orchestra. I find it hard to believe that only 3 of them, in your estimate, are decent people. Perhaps a look in the mirror would serve you better than slamming former colleagues in crisis.
November 18, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chaswaves (anonymous) says...
It is totally fair to assume the problems are managerial. As a business owner if something was wrong with my company I would expect people to ask the management what the problem is, hello, we manage the organization! We are responsible. They do have a great product, but something is wrong if they get plenty of money from government agencies, yet they can't stay afloat. Why should we keep a sinking ship going if they don't want to fix the holes?
November 18, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JF (anonymous) says...
Although I think it is good to have an orchestra. I cannot help but question the decision of the city to use taxpayer money to support the CSO. Obviously the demographic for the music the CSO plays is rather small and higher income. If they want to support the CSO with their own money, great! However I don't believe the average citizen of Charleston particularly enjoys classical music and would prefer that the money given to the CSO by the city be spent on infrastructure, public services, or an addtional policeman or two.
Best of luck to the CSO fundraising activities, but I believe public money would be better spent on much needed public works which would beefit a wider portion of the poulation of Charleston.
November 18, 2008 at 5 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
Posted by Neponset on November 18, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Beethoven, Mozart etc were the equiv of rock stars of their day and there are a lot of folks that enjoy their music today, but apparently not enough to make it pay all the bills. This is nothing new - CSO has had problems for a long time. I don't know what the solution is, but it would be sad if we lost the talented folks who can play this wonderful music.
----
I agree. I enjoy listening to classical music and every year we go to see the Messiah performance. I just wish that more people enjoyed this kind of music. So many have no appreciation for it.
November 18, 2008 at 5 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
I would donate but big government took away my video poker machines in 2000 so I have no more income to make donations to worthy causes.
November 18, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Ice
The Massiah by Handel is my Favorite.
November 18, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
greghomza (anonymous) says...
[Part the first...] In this age of countless musical genres, it is getting harder and harder for "classical" music to compete, primarily because most people don't understand (or want to) its complexity. It's like eating a doughnut instead of a gourmet meal. Sure, doughnuts are great (mmmmm...doughnuts...), but they don't provide any nourishment. I think most people listen to this type of "empty" music...it may be rhythmically or melodically exciting for a while, but a month or two after most songs are released, they become little more than white noise, playing in the background while you wash your car, or work out, or whatever. The CSO, on the other hand, in addition to playing contemporary and lesser-known orchestral music (showcased in its Out-of-the-Box concert series), plays important works that have been around for decades or centuries, and are still appreciated in 2008 (admittedly by a smaller percentage of the population, but...is that the CSO's fault? No...if you're not a fan of "classical" music, it's probably because your parents or teachers never introduced you to it, probably because they were never introduced to it.) Consider another analogy -- watching a sitcom vs. reading a classic novel...there's just no comparison when it comes to how each stimulates (or doesn't) your mind and your imagination.
Now, what I don't think many people realize is just how fine an orchestra the Charleston Symphony is...period. It is an excellent ensemble made up of some incredibly talented musicians. But when you consider the orchestra's modest size and even more modest budget, it's even more amazing how fine they are, and what they're able to do. It's no secret that most people in the CSO earn between $20K and $25K per year playing in the orchestra, which I'm guessing is quite a bit less than most people reading this. They're not in it to get rich...they're in it because they have a love of music that they want to share with others in their community. Most CSO musicians supplement their income with additional performing and teaching, and often keep grueling schedules, analagous to working two or three jobs. They give and give and give. And for the City of Charleston, and local residents, to abandon them, and deprive the community of all they have to offer, is really shameful.
November 18, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
greghomza (anonymous) says...
[Part the second...] Great cities have great orchestras. Think of all the great cities throughout the world...I'd wager that 95% of them have thriving orchestras. Charleston, while a relatively small city, is still a great city, full of history and culture. But if its government and residents stand idly by while one of its oldest arts organizations folds, I think that makes a pretty bold statement about priorities. Now, perhaps, as one reader suggested, the organization will dissolve, reorganize, and start up again. And while that may lead to a stronger organization from a managerial standpoint (I should mention that the current Executive Director has only been in her post for a little over a year, hardly enough time to turn things around, especially in the current economic climate), the musicianship will suffer greatly. A fine orchestra isn't just a bunch of musicians -- it's a bunch of musicians that play well together, that listen to each other, that take pride in their organization and their community. That's not something easily replaced. Yes, if the Charleston Symphony Orchestra folds, and the majority of its musicians leave the area to seek other employment, it will be a profound loss...a *profound* loss...
Throughout history, musicians have relied on support from patrons and donors. I wish Dottie Ashley's article had mentioned how to donate...go to http://www.charlestonsymphony.com/sup... Even if you've never been to a CSO concert (start going!!!), you've got to acknowledge their importance to the community. Don't think of it as a gift to the CSO...think of it as a gift to yourself, and to your community. Give...whether it's $10 or $100 or $1,000 or $10,000, please give.
November 18, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
weezeedee (anonymous) says...
Why do tourists come here? Why do people retire here? Classical musicians are a boon to the economy but they can't play for free, we'll probably lose them, as well as the retirees and tourists they attract, to larger cities, if we can't help them.
November 18, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pelerin (anonymous) says...
If you believe important things which aren't financially self-supporting should be allowed to fail, you are hereby no longer allowed to put your kids in an afternoon sports program (paid for largely by the taxpayer), go to a professional baseball game (stadiums built with public bonds), apply for a government-backed small-business loan, or go to a public beach or park.
The main reason that orchestras (by no means just Charleston's) are in trouble is because Federal funding has all but dried up (well before the budget deficits of these last few years) and state and local governments are therefore having to cut back too. It is NOT inefficiency or waste on the part of the orchestra. If the CSO is like other orchestras, it probably manages its money more frugally than many of us do. In any event, between the 1997-98 and 1999-2000 seasons, revenue at all orchestras went up by 16.5% while expenses went up only 9.8%. Can your business say it did that well?
But now, with drastic government funding cuts imminent and people tightening their belts all around, Charleston is in danger of losing one of the institutions which makes it such a wonderful destination. It also could lose the CSO's children's concert programs, dozens of which are given every year. In some cases these concerts provide children with the only music education they've ever had. Do you want your children growing up listening to nothing but what's on commercial FM radio, with no clue about any better alternatives?
November 18, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jaiananna (anonymous) says...
These musicians do a lot of the community. Are you aware of the programs they teach in the public schools?
I think the real problem is the staleness of having the same conductor for 25 years.
November 18, 2008 at 11:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
btwisay (anonymous) says...
From what I see in these comments, no one wants the CSO to go away. The Symphony is a great part of this community and does contribute to the schools. No one is saying it doesn't offer something great for this city. Thats really not the point. The CSO just did this last year didn't they? They begged the community to help bail them out of their 500,000 deficit and they got it. And after working with some of the best fundraising consultants in the area (based on another article posted on charleston.net), meetings on how to financially secure the symphony where they wouldn't have to be in danger of folding again, and getting so much from the city, the state, and individual contributions - they are back to the same place? I question what is happening with the the management of this money. We know that the musicians are only making about $22 - $25 a year, so what is the conductor making? Whats the Executive Director making? How much is going towards the other lines? Why are they in danger of folding once again? Every arts organization in this town is having financial troubles - but we should give our money to one organization that keeps having the same financial woes? Really makes me question the Symphony. Not the quality or importance of it, but the management of it. We have a lot of unique arts organizations in this town - ballets, theatres, improv groups, dinner theatres, and more - its all unique and would be a shame for any of it to fold. And all of it brings in tourists, not just the symphony. Don't forget we also have an aquarium, a wildlife refuge, and plenty of museums that are also non-profits and depend on the same resources. Yet they aren't begging others to pull them out of a deficit twice in a row. Soo...
November 19, 2008 at 12:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chaswaves (anonymous) says...
I could not agree more with btwisay. This is what I was saying. The Symphony is great, but whoever is managing the organization isn't. There are so many non-profit organizations out there and have you seen any of them BUT the symphony twice in the past 12 months begging for a "bail out?" I haven't. Based on the "Theatre Fighting for Life" article you can see that all organizations are hurting but not one of those organizations had their own article nor did one of them say we need $xxx to stay afloat. I believe each organization is unique and each is important. I personally would want to give to an organization where I know my money will further grow the organization not save it. I just want the management to be honest with themselves and not just beg for money every 12 months in the newspaper.
November 19, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IronWoman (anonymous) says...
Charleston Stage is also a non funded operation, needing all the support it can get of the community. The shows they put on are absolutely amazing! More money needs to be put into the arts of Charleston in order to keep the tourists interested in coming here. I agree. Unfortunatly, no one will donate to a very worthy cause, if they are behind on their mortgage, and eating hot dogs for dinner, ... again.
November 19, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pelerin (anonymous) says...
Just because an organization needs to ask for money every year doesn't mean it is mismanaged. Public radio and TV have twice-yearly beg-a-thons and they are very well managed. Regarding salaries, let's assume that e.g. the conductor is paid $50K a year more than is warranted; that would still be less than 5% of the deficit the orchestra is facing. Everyone will have to tighten their belts, but this hypothetical case seems to show that it can't be a problem of management salaries being too high.
This is a matter of the recession, folks, plain and simple. It just depends on whether some of us music lovers who are more well off than others can pony up some additional funds. By the way I went to the concert this past Saturday and I can attest that the current difficulties have NOT diminished their polish or beauty a bit.
November 19, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Violindude (anonymous) says...
Hi there,
I used to play with the Charleston Symphony many years ago, I moved on to several bigger orchestras. I still keep in touch with quite a few members. Teach is way off, it's a really good group of people and a very talented group.
Pelerin,
the Charleston Symphony is horribly mismanaged and has been for a long time. Blaming the recession is not accurate, they have been on the brink of collapse more years than not. It's been an ongoing battle of pay cuts and deficits.
The problem is at the top, as in the conductor. He's been there WAY too long, Reagan was president when he came on board. A conductor has many jobs, arguably the least important being the music. He is fundraiser-in chief, visionary, architect and builder. Like it or not, the buck stops at the top. It is the conductor's job to create innovative programs, inspire community relations and programs, and shake the hand of Mr. and Mrs. Money.
The Charleston Symphony has done this almost every year. It's consistently on the brink, and the board has yet to realize that a permanent change in leadership at the top is the only answer. Most conductors have a tenure of 10-12 years tops, it's simply time to literally pass the baton to someone else, someone with an artistic as well as financial vision of the future. The musicians have no say in the matter, it is up to the board. Hopefully, some day or year they will see the light and do the right thing for the community.
November 20, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pelerin (anonymous) says...
Large donors could demand such changes (and get put on the board in order to make them happen) if they are appropriate. But if we wait until the leadership changes before we deem that it's worth donating, we will get our wish of getting rid of the current conductor--but we will lose the entire orchestra along with him.
November 20, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Violindude (anonymous) says...
Pelerin,
it's possible that folding is the only option. The guy isnt going anywhere and the board is not pushing him out, this has been going on for almost a quarter-century now. Every year it's the same, sad story.
Lots of orchestras have collapsed and come out better in the long run. Denver, San Diego, Oklahoma City are among them. I feel for the players, I was in an orchestra that collapsed and it was awful. Nonetheless, whats best for the big picture is best for the community, and ultimately the players.
Throwing good money at the situation to keep it alive until the next crisis in 6 months isnt prudent. New leadership is an absolute must. It has to come first, or as part of a package deal. Without it, there's no hope of a secure future, you're just paying off past debt at this point.
November 20, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alabamaman (anonymous) says...
An Orchestra being in turmoil is not new. I am not affiliated with the orchestra in Charleston but I have played with them in the past. These individuals do not do it for the money, they are involved in it for the community benefit. The Charleston Symphony has shared the stage with many world class musicians who are currently in the charleston symphony and have also came out of the organization. I sometimes feel that we are in a dying field that doesn't get any respect. Sometimes I think musicians come across a little too abrasive talking about how our music is more special than pop music. The big problem is getting people to understand that this music isn't elitist, classical the basis for everything we listen to today. John Williams movie music sounds a lot like Mahler, Prokofiev, Beethoven.
It is not easy to get people to come see the orchestra. I never thought it was impossible to get people to come to see the orchestra. It just has to be at the top of ones head. There is a huge catch 22, especially with a total operating budget for the year of 2-3 million. It's difficult to really get the word out about the orchesta. With articles in the paper however, maybe there will be a benifit and people will come see them play.
November 20, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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