In Tuesday’s (9/1) Bradenton Herald (Florida), January Holmes writes, “Bruised by the weakened economy, Sarasota Orchestra on Monday announced several cost-cutting measures to help it survive the upcoming season, including salary cuts and the cancellation of the popular Manatee Valentine Pops program. … With the economy squeezing grants, government funding and corporate and individual gifts, the orchestra had to rely on almost half of its emergency reserves—a total of $515,000—just to get through last season, [CEO Joseph] McKenna said. This has been the first time during his nearly nine years with the organization that he’s had to tap into reserves. … Programming and operational trims will save the orchestra $275,000 from an annual budget of $7 million, said McKenna. … The cuts include pay cuts of between 2.5 percent and 10 percent for staff, after their salaries were frozen last season. McKenna and the orchestra’s artistic director, Leif Bjaland, took 10 percent salary cuts. Wage reductions will save about $60,000, said McKenna. Also, four open positions will remain unfilled.”
Posted September 1, 2009
