In Friday’s (12/18) Republican-American (Waterbury, Connecticut), Brynn Mandel reports, “A $1 million gift to the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra—believed the largest in the organization’s history—aims to stoke music appreciation and participation among students around the region. The gift came from an anonymous donor, said Waterbury Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Stephen Collins, demurring to offer many details on the money’s origin. … Collins confirmed that the money was not a bequest and that it came from a source with whom the organization has ‘done business before.’ The donation provides a major boost to the 71-year-old organization that stages about seven concerts yearly with between 60 and 100 musicians. … Though the symphony orchestra knew about this latest windfall for months, ‘it took a while for the fund to be established,’ said Collins. Organization leaders explained they cannot access the principal of the private fund, but interest generated will allow for educational initiatives ‘in perpetuity.’ The fund’s designated educational purpose dovetails with the Board of Directors’ efforts to forge a deeper connection with the community.”
Posted December 18, 2009
