The new head of the San Antonio Symphony Society says ever since the orchestra's rise from the dead last week, donations from private supporters have been pouring in, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
"We have identified $1.9 million in money for the symphony just now," Kathleen Vale said.
This is in addition to the roughly $600,000 that is being distributed to the Symphony by the City and County. Bexar County next week will strip funding from other arts programs to give to the Symphony, and San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg says money already earmarked for the Symphony will be released, now that the orchestra's season is underway again.
Along with the grants, Nirenberg ordered the Symphony to meet several requirements of fundraising, management, and community outreach, and Vale says that is happening as well.
"We will restructure what we do from a governance standpoint," she said. "And insure fiscal responsibility and reality."
Vale also said the Symphony Society is 'debt free,' and is able to 'look forward and not look back.'
The Symphony Society retook control of the Symphony last month after an organization made up of major donors bowed out, apparently over concerns over a pension debt owed to the musicians union. Vale didn't say how this issue was worked out, but the union said at the time the pension obligation is not a 'debt' unless the Symphony is dissolved, something Vale made certain won't happen.
After the donor group folded, a previous Symphony Society president suddenly decided to cancel the remainder of the current session, a decision Vale immediately reversed.
Nirenberg and County Judge Nelson Wolff were greeted with enthusiastic applause when they told attendees at the Tobin Center last weekend that they will step in not only to commit funds, but to lead a campaign to increase private donations.
Vale said she is committed to making that happen.
"Our city can't be the one, especially in our Tricentennial year, that let the hall go dark," she said.
The Symphony last night released a letter thanking donors for their support of the orchestra as it works to regain its financial footing:
“The San Antonio Symphony Society would like to thank all who support the Symphony, particularly those who have stepped up with support for a prosperous future. While we are in unusual times, we would like to lift up a few people whose knowledge, time, dedication, and financial support have been invaluable to the San Antonio Symphony. …… We also thank you, the citizenry, for your support. This includes all those who purchase tickets to our events, and we look forward to seeing you this weekend for our performance Beethoven’s Eroica and the following weekend as we present the Classical Mystery Tour."