When musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra take the stage, it is the culmination of tens of thousands of practice hours. Each individual has prepared his or her part to perfection and holds rank as one of the most accomplished musicians in the field. But one person doesn’t make a symphony orchestra. Nor does a handful. The same number of musicians are necessary to perform a Beethoven symphony today as almost 200 years ago.

There is something unique and extraordinary about witnessing more than 90 musicians join forces to play as one voice on stage. But what is perhaps even more important during these difficult economic times is what they have done when you weren’t watching.

Your Baltimore Symphony musicians have generously offered to give back $1 million in salary cuts and furloughs as an investment towards the future of the BSO. But we need your help. The orchestra is challenging the public to raise $2 million in matching funds to help sustain the internationally renowned artistry and institutional strength of the BSO through this unprecedented economic environment.

So how can you play your part? Your philanthropic gift to the BSO will help ensure a tradition of world class symphonic music in Maryland for future generations. Just as every musician counts–every gift counts.

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NOW IS THE TIME

Over the last few months, the news has been filled with stories of how a challenging economy has impacted cultural organizations. Despite the unprecedented challenges of our time, the BSO’s first priority is ensuring that the Orchestra remains a vibrant cultural resource for the State of Maryland.

The BSO is a robust organization, but despite our strengths, we are not immune to the effects of a turbulent economy. In response to reduced government funding and a diminished endowment fund, the BSO has thoroughly examined its expenses and made prudent reductions to operational costs. All of these actions have occurred while maintaining our deep commitment to delivering the world-class musical performances and education programs that our patrons expect from the BSO.

Our musicians, staff and Board of Directors are determined to transcend these challenging times, and you can play a part.

MUSICIANS TAKE THE LEAD

Your Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians have proactively and generously offered $1 million in salary concessions to help the BSO successfully navigate the setbacks presented by the national economic climate.

In turn, the musicians of the BSO ask all who care about the Orchestra and its music to match this commitment with an additional $2 million through the Music Matters campaign. With your support, the BSO will continue to offer the innovative, world-class performances that make the concert hall a place of enlightenment and enjoyment in times of uncertainty. We will also maintain our commitment to educational programs that bring the joy of music to today’s young people.

To show her support, Maestra Marin Alsop has already pledged a personal gift of $50,000 to the Music Matters campaign to match the musicians’ extraordinary sacrifices.

SHOW THAT MUSIC MATTERS TO YOU

Join the BSO musicians by supporting the Music Matters campaign. You may participate by making a first-time gift to the BSO. Or, if you are already among the BSO’s generous supporters, consider increasing your current commitment. For example: if you gave $100 last year, and are able to contribute $250 this year, $150 will leverage a musician’s gift to the orchestra.

Throughout the duration of the Music Matters campaign, look for BSO musicians at our lobby tables at concerts for an easy and convenient way to show your support. As our way of thanking you, for every new or upgraded gift of $100 or more, you will receive a complimentary CD of a Baltimore Symphony performance!