Monterey Symphony

A Message from Janet McDaniel, Chairman of the Board of Directors,

Welcome to the Monterey Symphony! We know that the music on our programs will invigorate and amaze you, and lift your spirits in the middle of this long winter! We can’t deny that the seasons affect our moods and motivation levels. It’s for this reason we invite you to check the Symphony’s temperature. A large thermometer is on display at the bottom of this letter. It provides an up-to-the-minute reading of our Annual Fund Campaign. The reading is a serious one. We did not make our budgeted goal for December and are not where we need to be. We have a plan in place to get to our $760,000 Goal by June 30 and that plan is totally dependent on YOU. We know that the stock market has increased in value during the past year and we know that YOU, our most devoted patrons, are perhaps reticent to give at this time. These are not normal times.

We have worked to build a fantastic orchestra; one that provides a great deal of pleasure to us all. It’s one of this community’s best cultural assets. But we can’t take this excellence for granted. Cash has been slow to arrive, despite our appeals. A symphony orchestra is truly dependent on individuals to help it thrive. It needs our constant care, if we intend to claim its achievements as ours. It needs our commitment to make it a funding priority.

For this reason, my husband Laine and I have put forth a challenge to all subscribers to match any first-time or increased gifts you make between today and February 28, 2010 up to $20,000. Our donation qualifies for a GE Foundation match. The total effort could net the orchestra $60,000. To make a donation to this special challenge, simply click on the green button at the top of this page.

This orchestra receives little corporate support or public money. Behind the scenes, we have made administrative and artistic decisions which will help our bottom line yet still provide our customary sizzle. Thanks also to our music director Max Bragado-Darman, the musicians and staff of the Monterey Symphony for their understanding of the wage freeze in effect since September 2008 and their extra assistance during these tough financial times.

Enjoy the performance.