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Although it will cost the musicians of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic a week's salary, officials announced Monday the orchestra will provide a series of three benefit concerts in September.
In an effort to offset possible problems in 2010, Philharmonic musicians offered to forgo payment for the concerts. Although the orchestra's budget for next year is currently balanced, whether it stays that way hinges on contract negotiations with the American Federation of Musicians Local 58, the musicians' union.
The money raised from the concert series - including ticket sales and donations - will go toward maintaining a balanced budget.
"This is the first time musicians have done without a week's worth of salary," said J.L. Nave, president and CEO of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
"The major expense when putting on a concert is paying 80 professional musicians. So the donation of their time is a key element for fundraising."
In addition to the pro bono work of the musicians, the concert series is sponsored by nearly 20 non-profit and corporate donors.
The concert series will cost the Philharmonic $10,000, a marked decrease from the usual cost of $50,000 to $60,000 for a Masterworks series or Philharmonic Pops concert, Nave said.
The local musicians' union had no problem persuading all the musicians involved to take the pay cut, said Dennis Fick, the Philharmonic's principal bassoonist.
"We'd planned benefit concerts for third parties in the past," Fick said. "Community Harvest Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity. This year, we decided to make the beneficiary the Philharmonic itself."
In addition to helping the orchestra financially, the concerts will introduce the community to Andrew Constantine, the orchestra's new music director.
Although Constantine will not be directing full time until 2011, the British-born conductor will donate his time for all three of the benefit concerts.
The concerts are also an opportunity to reinforce the need for community support for the orchestra.
By decreasing ticket prices, the Philharmonic hopes to garner support from both regular supporters and those unfamiliar with live orchestral music.
"Current economic issues may threaten the Philharmonic," said Kevin Piekarski, Philharmonic bassist. "But we believe the best way to stimulate income and maintain the scope of our concert series is by inviting the community to hear us. … Community support is a necessary part of keeping orchestral music alive in this city."
