Syracuse Symphony Orchestra faces financial difficulties, to send fundraising letter

The Post-Standard reported that Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, like music organizations nationwide, has not escaped the economic downturn. And, there are no guarantees of government funding and corporate contributions for the orchestra, which will celebrate its 50th concert season in 2010-2011.

The times are challenging, is the refrain echoed by Edward Kochian, SSO’s interim director, and Rocco Mangano, board chairman. They have spoken with state legislators and Rep. Dan Maffei. But with state and federal governments wrestling with budget crises, no promises can be made.

Now the orchestra is returning to a reliable source from the past. A solicitation letter will be mailed Friday to current and former donors seeking $300,000 in contributions, to be matched by the symphony’s board. Read more here.

The question here is around sustainability. Arts organizations everywhere are taking the same approach and just trying to make ends meet. The real issue here is how much longer can an organization take this approach? The Symphony did an appeal for $250,000 (plus a match of $250,000) last year, and now is doing an appeal for $300,000 (plus a match of $300,000) this year. That is a decrease of $100,000. There is clearly a need for a new way of thinking and operating in the arts. Instead of running an article in the Post-Standard about how the Symphony is going to ask the community for more money, the organization should be explaining to the community why they are worth investing in and what their return on investment is. Quality of life and supporting the arts because you just should can't be the reasons to appeal to people to give money.

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