“New Mexico’s two major symphonies are surviving the coronavirus outbreak through a combination of donations and grants,” writes Kathaleen Roberts in Sunday’s (5/3) Albuquerque Journal. “The New Mexico Philharmonic is still paying its musicians, thanks to a Small Business Association loan of $277,000, Executive Director Marian Tanau said…. The orchestra’s remaining four concerts … have been rescheduled for later in the year…. The Santa Fe Symphony’s five spring concerts account for 30% of its ticket revenue. ‘It’s a huge disappointment to cancel the remaining concerts of the season,’ Executive Director Daniel Crupi said…. But the orchestra raised $20,000 in emergency relief for its musicians in a matter of days. Patrons have donated tickets to help ensure the symphony’s survival, Crupi added. Many of the musicians with second incomes have donated their emergency relief funds to help their colleagues who rely on their concert income alone. Organizers also have applied for $168,000 in federal payroll protection grants. The symphony will launch its spring fundraiser in mid-May, using its remaining $60,000 in sponsorships as a challenge grant. ‘So far, every single sponsor I’ve spoken to has been very generous and very enthusiastic,’ Crupi said. The musicians have coped by scheduling online concerts and lessons.”
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