“Fouad Fakhouri’s last concert as conductor of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is almost here,” writes Rodger Mullen in Sunday’s (4/10) Fayetteville Observer (N.C.). “But the symphony wasn’t going to let him leave without a little fanfare—and a surprise announcement. Saturday evening, at a ‘spring garden party’ held at the home of past orchestra board chairman Will Gillis, the Cumberland Community Foundation announced the creation of The Fouad K. Fakhouri Endowment for Artistic Excellence in honor of Fakhouri’s 11 years heading the orchestra. ‘Eleven years ago, Fouad Fakhouri came to this community and transformed our symphony and stole our hearts,’ said foundation executive director Mary Holmes in announcing the endowment, which totals more than $1.1 million received from anonymous donors…. Chris Kastner, president and CEO of the orchestra, said the endowment will be used to help support the activities of the orchestra [and] can also help the orchestra weather difficult financial times. ‘You think about a year like 2009, and having some extra funds available when something unexpected happens,’ Kastner said. ‘It helps keep the organization afloat.’ ” Fakhouri’s final concert as music director of the Fayetteville Symphony is set for April 16 at Fayetteville State University.
Posted April 11, 2016
