A Symphony of SILENCE...and only 31

During the past several Columbus Symphony concerts, the intermission has come to an end--a SILENT one at that. All that remains on the stage are the 31 musicians who would survive the drastic cutback of the Columbus Symphony. Just seeing how few musicians remain is sobering. But these 31 musicians sit there stare at the floor or at their music with blank expressions on their faces. A few chat with each other, but mostly there is SILENCE . In a place of music, there is none. It is most unsettling and a possible foretelling of the future.

Then, just as the house lights dim, and the conductor prepares to come on stage, these 31 musicians start applauding--as the musicians whose jobs are at stake take their places. Then there are a few brief moments of scattered warming up and the concert resumes.

Seeing this story told in SILENCE and size is an experience that must be seen to fully comprehend. For the many who have asked and are asking what this SILENT intermission is all about, now you know the story. Hopefully those of you who see this will proudly support the musicians and do all that is necessary to preserve the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

CSO Concert was inspiring!

Tonight's performance was inspiring! Simply amazing performance. The CSO proved to all in attendance what they do best and how much they are needed.

The Fantasian on a Theme by Thomas Tallis was so moving to me personally. The way in which Maestro Hirokami shaped the piece and phrased it was phenomenal.

Korngold was played by Concertmaster Wetherbee with finesse and great virtuosity. It was great to hear a newer piece which many have previously not heard. It was truly appreciated by the audience.

Beethoven 7 was crafted perfectly by orchestra and maestro alike. Each performer poured their soul into creating this evening's performance and it was evident. The crowd thundered to their feet in approval after the final chords of the orchestra. It was great to see the musicians smiling after the performance. It seemed that for a while all attention was drawn to the music and the showdown between the orchestra and the board took the backstage spot for the evening.

I was inspired and the attendance and enthusiasm of the audience was palpable. A great concert and bravo to the musicians of our Columbus Symphony Orchestra!!

Code Blue...this is not a drill!

Please, read this article from the Columbus Dispatch!

Several days ago I wrote about the arts being on the verge of a "code blue." Today this sad truth has hit shockingly close to home. It is with great regret and sadness that I read the front-page headline of the Columbus Dispatch which read "Symphony on the brink?"

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra board has proposed that:

1. the number of full-time musicians be cut from 53 to 31
2. the number of performance weeks be trimmed from 46 to 34
3. an additional $3 million dollars be removed from the $12 million dollar annual budget

The rest of this drastic plan can be viewed at the Columbus Symphony website.

I fully support the musicians of the CSO and would like to be vocal about my support. In an attempt to make more people aware of this issue and to , I have created a Facebook group open to all users entitled "Proud Supporters of the Columbus Symphony." If you are a Facebook user and feel as strongly about this art form as I do, then please join the group to help show support for the CSO!

Also, if you do not attend concerts, then this would be a tremendous time to start and show your support for the orchestra!