Exit this survey Future of Symphonic Music Forums Background Background In March of 2010, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra closed its doors early for the first time in its 74-year history after hitting severe cash flow issues. No solution for the orchestra seemed imminent. College of Charleston President George Benson and Blackbaud’s CEO Marc Chardon formed a steering committee to engage the community and to make recommendations for the future of orchestral music in Charleston. The committee was convened in June, 2010 and continued to meet until November, 2010. The committee is releasing its recommendations for public review and comment via this survey. The survey will remain open until December 15th, 2010 and the report and recommendations will be finalized by December 31st, 2010. The Steering Committee Charter “This committee shall develop pragmatic, implementable, written recommendations to the community for a model for professional orchestral performance in Greater Charleston that is responsive, sustainable, and future-focused.” Our Vision for 2015 • Orchestral music will be relevant, dynamic, and whet our collective appetite for the art form. It will be an intrinsic part of the warp and woof of the “Charleston Art Scene.” • We will have a growing audience for orchestral music. It will be multi-cultural, cross-generational and reflect the shifting demographics of our community. • Professional musicians will be valued and respected. They will have opportunities for professional development, and the desire and ability to make Charleston “home.” • There will be a sufficiently large community of professional musicians to ensure deep participation and presence in the fabric of our community and our schools. • We will have a trusted and sustainable mechanism for delivering orchestral music. It will be responsive, innovative, and collaborative. The proposed recommendations are provided on the following page, however these are best understood in the context of the entire report, with appendices. The draft report, with appendices is available in adobe acrobat format here: Click Here for Full Report Next
