A Message from the San Francisco Symphony
November 26, 2008
Dear friends of the Symphony,
Warm greetings to all of you. We hope that you are enjoying the 2008-09 Symphony season at Davies Symphony Hall or at Flint Center. Live performances of great music always bring ample reward, but probably never more so than when life around us is uncertain and our way a bit unclear. All of us at the Symphony are redoubling our efforts to ensure that your concerts are enriching, rewarding, and unforgettable, and we are particularly grateful for your attendance and your support.
In light of the current economic condition, we'd like to inform you of some actions the Symphony has taken in response to the national and international situation. First, although both the Annual Fund and ticket sales remain strong, we believe it is only prudent to trim expenses in the current year as much as possible. We have put measures in place to do so, without changing any previously announced programs or reducing our commitment to education or service to the community.
Second, if history is any guide, the effects of this economic downturn may continue through the next several seasons. The Symphony has long engaged in thoughtful long-range financial planning, and we have adjusted our most recent plans for future seasons to take into consideration the possible longer-term impact of the economy. Our guiding principles continue to be that artistic excellence and service to the community will not be affected, and we plan on having your experience with the Symphony continue to be of the highest quality.
While the challenges are daunting, the effects of this economic downturn are significantly reduced by the extraordinary generosity of our community over the past several years. We cannot thank you enough. Our ability to continue to provide the Adventures in Music program, for example, to every public elementary school student in San Francisco at no charge is safeguarded, in large measure, by countless gifts in support of this program. This is only one example of how you have made a difference.
We pledge to be prudent stewards of the trust you have placed with us. And we ask you to continue to be enthusiastic concertgoers and to share that enthusiasm with your friends and neighbors. When an Annual Fund appeal reaches you, we hope that we will continue to merit your support, for your gift is an endorsement of our work on the stage, in the schools, and throughout our communities and beyond.
You tell us that you come to the Symphony for many reasons, but the overriding one is for a personal interaction with the music, shared by a community of music lovers. Such an experience can be felt especially intensely at this time, and we look forward to sharing transformational music-making with you in the months and years ahead.
With our greatest appreciation for your ongoing support,
Brent Assink
Executive Director
John Goldman
President