“With the COVID-19 pandemic offering little sense of an end in sight, organizations around the world are hoping for the generosity they have seen in the past and wondering what the future holds,” writes Clifton Noble Jr. in Monday’s (5/4) Republican (Springfield, MA). “The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is just one of those myriad recipients, and SSO Executive Director Susan Beaudry is happy to report that thus far the response to orchestra initiatives like the Musicians’ Relief Fund … [and] the Homegrown webcasts (posted weekly since April 1), and the Ticket Donation program …. have elicited a very positive response from the community…. More than 50 percent of SSO ticket holders have already donated back their tickets.… ‘Homegrown—no surprise—has been extremely well received,’ Beaudry said…. Homegrown has introduced a whole new perspective on the SSO to patrons by bringing them into Maestro Kevin Rhodes’ living room, and presenting members of the SSO family doing what they love to do, making music. In addition to Rhodes, the series has so far featured Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestra Concertmaster Emma Lavoie, Education Coordinator Patrick McMahon, Principal Trumpeter Thomas Bergeron, and Director of Education Kirsten Lipkens.”