Take in the symphony
CSO a lot more than just bells, whistles
By Brian Hicks
Some people just don't go to the symphony.
Maybe it's not their cup of tea. They'd rather be fishing, they just spent $500 on funnel cake at the fair, they're holding out for that day when the Charleston Symphony Orchestra performs the music of Hank Williams Jr.
They give a "no big deal" shrug to the news this week that the CSO's financial woes have reached a crescendo.
Maybe they think it's economic Darwinism — things are tough all over, and only the strongest survive. Well, that is if they believe in Darwinism.
But that's not the way to look at this. Just ask George Stevens, president and chief executive officer of the Coastal Community Foundation. He can tell you that some things are worth more than the sum of their parts; that not all assets show up on a balance sheet.
He calls it "goodwill value."
"They are not just doing a job or providing a service," Stevens said. "They are part of the answer to 'What's good about this place?' The community and the region have intrinsic value beyond the hard assets. We're proud of the Charleston Symphony or the ballet or Crisis Ministry."
Latest news on the CSO:
Basically, the symphony is part of what makes Charleston "Charleston" — you know, one of the top-ranked tourist destinations in the country, a place that attracts new residents every week. Whether you like that or not while sitting in traffic, it's a good thing for the community.
Don't think so? Ask Detroit how they'd like to have a little more traffic about now.
Burton Schools, chairman of the board for Piggly Wiggly Carolina and the Coastal Community Foundation, can explain perhaps better than anyone. The symphony, he notes, is one of those valuable amenities that make the city attractive to new residents and retirees — you know, the people who expand the local tax base and give generously to all our local nonprofits.
Schools tells a story from his days as CSO board president, when a couple told him the symphony was a big factor in their decision to retire here. When he asked where they were from, they said New York.
Let that sink in. New York.
Maybe some people don't go to the symphony because they think it's entertainment for the wealthy, that they don't fit in or can't afford it. But consider the ticket prices: $20 or $30 gets you in to most shows, and students can buy seats for $5.
By comparison, try to see the Eagles in North Charleston this winter for less than $150.
The symphony can point to its extensive community outreach, programs with school children, free shows. These musicians tutor a lot of kids who probably won't learn to play viola at school.
But most importantly, the symphony introduces children to the classics — powerful pieces of the most dramatic, moving music you'll ever hear. Everyone should hear it more than once.
Unfortunately, that is a bit of culture missing from a lot of people's lives.
If none of that impresses you, consider the bottom line: When big industries are looking for new places to locate, one of the factors that goes into the decision — along with available land and workforce — is "quality of life."
The calculus of corporate bigwigs takes into account professional sports, parks and, yes, the arts. These guys are looking for a place that, hopefully, their employees will want to stay — at least until they are downsized.
If you don't think these things are important, ask Myrtle Beach. How many BMW factories has the Dixie Stampede, bless their hearts, brought in? Think Bosch came here for monster truck rallies at the coliseum? Everybody has those things.
Finally, consider history. Not only is the Holy City historically an arts-friendly city, host to the Spoleto Festival, but it's also the home to the St. Cecilia Society, which started out more than 200 years ago as a private group that provided subscription concerts.
You could do no more damage to Charleston heritage if you lopped off the Battery.
So this year, show a little sympathy for the symphony. Take in a show (it's cheaper than the fair). Find out what you've been missing. You might just like it, and you'll be helping Charleston remain "Charleston."
And who knows what might happen next. The symphony played with the guy from Styx a couple of years ago. Could Willie Nelson be far behind?
Reach Brian Hicks at 937-5561 or bhicks@postandcourier.com.
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SCgal (anonymous) says...
The CSO needs to get the schedule out there- promote themselves- everyone talks about the symphony but where are they, what is their schedule, any free radio ticket give aways, what about parking, a fun twist on thier music?
I'm sure Trans-Siberian Orchestra had a full house and have no problems with ticket sales- what's CSO flair and big selling point?
If it is perceived as stuffy and for the wealthy then change that- get people excited about the symphony and it's music!
P.S. Do I really have to get all dresses up to attend or can I come in jeans and be comfortable?
November 21, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonscman (anonymous) says...
Obviously there are not too many people interested in it otherwise it would have more of an audience. Where are all of these people you mentioned in this article.
If the Stingrays don't make budget they go under. While that may sound harsh for our community sometimes you have to look at the reality.
I don't see any of those symphony ticketholders come rushing to the aid of slumping attendence at a concert, batttery or stingrays game to be charitable then I might consider helping them out.
November 21, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
Here you go~ give a taste of Charleston for holiday gifts
http://csolinc.org/agora/agora.cgi?ca...
November 21, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mamatrip (anonymous) says...
SCgal, that looks like their fundraising website, but I still can't find a schedule of their concerts.
November 21, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
http://www.charlestonsymphony.com/pag...
November 21, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCgal (anonymous) says...
I found their Dec. schedule
http://www.charlestonsymphony.com/cal...
November 21, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mlittle212 (anonymous) says...
I agree that more people should get involved to make sure the symphony survives another day, but the tone of this piece was pretty insulting. To assume that most readers care more about the fair, funnel cakes, and Willie Nelson is real slap.
November 21, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
It would be a sad day if Charleston were to lose its symphony. Considering our rich culture and history it would seem to me that there would be enough people in the metro area who care enough to help them raise money. I was raised going to the symphony and the opera when I was a kid and have always enjoyed it.
November 21, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonbill (anonymous) says...
Look folks, I hunt deer, drink beer and listen to Jimmy Buffet music. I drive my pickup to the CSO concerts. I'm probably one of the biggest rednecks you will meet. I had a blast at Middleton Place for the starlight pops concerts a few years back. My wife and I attended the Daniel Island starlight pops concert this past summer. It was not Jimmy Buffet, but it was great music and friendly folks. You ain't got top be rich to come listen! Christmas would not be Christmas without the CSO.
They have my support!!!!
November 21, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
charlestonbill, Exactly. The ticket prices are much lower when compared to other venues. Also, you don't always have to dress up. Business casual will do just fine at the symphony.
November 21, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
johnnyholmes, Have you ever been to one of their concerts?
November 21, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonscman (anonymous) says...
I agree the tone of this was very condescending. This article will probably drive more people away.
You don't get people to come by insulting them.
Change up the programs.
November 21, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suec (anonymous) says...
very insulting
$500 funnel cake? what fair did he go to?
November 21, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BravesFan (anonymous) says...
It's important for the intelligent people that post on this site to remember most people here are too immature to realize the magnitude of this story...hence johnnyholmes.
I'll bet he's in his 20s...early 20s.
The CSO is a wonderful addition to this beautiful city. I hope they can work things out and stick around for a while.
November 21, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
walleyedwoman1215 (anonymous) says...
charlestonscman, you are dead on target. This piece is insulting to any potential patrons. I've been to several CSO performances, but now I think I'll eat funnel cakes ($500??? WTH???), fish on my bass boat, smoke a little weed and listen to Willie. Seeing as how I'm so uncouth and all.
November 21, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
I've been to a few of their performances and enjoyed all of them. It's not my normal fair, but changing up is good and refreshing. Ignore the snobs; they have nothing on anyone.
November 21, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
june (anonymous) says...
The CSO could perform at the fine arts center and a festival to raise funds
sounds wonderful.
I hope this could happen and reach out to the community that way.
November 21, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
weezeedee (anonymous) says...
hey Johnnyholmes, I used to live in Boston and I can tell you, the recent Charleston Symphony concerts I attended with Gershwin Piano Concerto, Strauss and Mozart compete with concerts I saw up there, and for a fraction of the cost. Charleston is great because even though living is easier than Boston, I can still get my arts fix here. I also attended two recitals this autumn, by concertmaster and principal cellist of the symphony, both top-notch. I agree with SCgal that their publicity needs to get revved up though, radio ticket giveaways is a great idea.
December 4, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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