Musicians of the Spokane Symphony in performance.
“Expiring pandemic-related government funds, a scuttling stock market and the increasing cost of doing business have left the 78-year-old [Spokane Symphony] seeking some help,” writes Kip Hill in Thursday’s (4/27) Spokesman-Review (WA). “ ‘It’s actually not that surprising that we’re in this situation,’ said Jeff vom Saal, executive director of the symphony. ‘Orchestras have historically faced significant challenges in trying to manage resources and provide the most value they can for the community.’ Symphony boosters are right now seeking $300,000 in donations ahead of the end of their fiscal year in June to offset a loss of COVID-19-related assistance and diminished giving that the symphony attributes to the poor performance of investments over the past several years. The symphony received two Paycheck Protection Program loans during the pandemic, intended to cover labor costs during government shutdowns. The loans totaled more than $1.4 million over two years … Vom Saal and Jan Ager, development director for the symphony, said … donations … from the community would put the organization on a sustainable path … For vom Saal, who has led the symphony since 2016, the preference would be a focus on revenue, not reductions…. The American Federation of Musicians 105 said … they believe the symphony fundraising efforts will be successful.”
