Symphony Links for December 15, 2008

This weekend, Renese King will be joining the Utah Symphony for an evening of Christmas Spirituals.  The Ogden Standard-Examiner did a preview that mentions the twists Ms. King puts on old classics such as Amazing Grace. The Salt Lake Tribune article mentions the free concert Ms. King did a few years ago with the Utah Symphony to bring comfort and solace to citizens in Carbon and Emery Counties after the Crandall Canyon Mine collapse.

Lollipops concert Here Comes Santa Claus is the “Pick of the Week” in the Salt Lake Tribune.

Times are tough in the arts world and many organizations are making concessions in order to balance their budgets. The Viginia Symphony had to cut $500,000 off its budget by cutting staff salaries and cancelling concerts. The organization is asking for a $1 million loan from the city of Norfolk in order to avoid bankruptcy. The Cleveland Orchestra was able to find special funding in order to balance its budget. New Mexico cut $200,000 off its budget.

On a more personal note, the USUO family was sad to hear the news that Ann Green, former president of the Utah Symphony Guild and Utah Opera Guild, passed away last week. The service Ann gave to this organization over the years was amazing, and she will be missed. We’re grateful for all she has done for the arts in Utah over the years and our thoughts are with her family.