FW Symphony; Abortion; Juneteenth plate
FW Symphony
The Musicians of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra are deeply concerned about the direction the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra leadership is taking in its negotiations with its musicians.
Formerly a chamber orchestra, the FWSO has transformed into a critically acclaimed, full-time orchestra — one of the finest in the U.S.
At the core of that transformation was its body of musicians who came from the great conservatories and music schools of the world to take part in the orchestra’s artistic growth.
When the management was unable to meet vital fundraising goals, the musicians accepted severe cuts in season length and pay in 2010 to help the organization. Now, five years later, they are again being pressured to shoulder the burden of additional cuts.
Support for the arts in North Texas is robust, and its communities are undergoing a period of exponential economic growth. With this rapid expansion, opportunities abound to approach new audiences and generate support.
Where are those creative efforts from the FWSO leadership?
Here in Dallas, we recently ratified a contract that reflects the positive artistic growth of our institution. Our colleagues in Fort Worth deserve a resolution that reflects the spirit of their orchestra’s mission and preserves its musical excellence.
Karen Schnackenberg, Dallas
The Wall Street Journal recently published a feature story on the Louisville Orchestra. The Journal quoted Louisville’s executive director as saying, “Growth is certainly a priority,” and the Journal noted the orchestra’s optimism and expanding schedule.
Some day, we will read about the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in The Wall Street Journal.
What do we want to read? Surely not an article that says, “Despite a growing economy, new businesses and buildings, sleek new cars and gorgeous people, the FWSO budget and season continues to shrink while their world-class players leave for more profitable venues.”
Really? We can do better. Protect our reputation. Protect our FWSO.
Carmen Hunter,
Fort Worth
Abortion
Not once in her poignant plea for civil dialogue did state Rep. Sen. Donna Howard mention that abortion ends a life. (See Oct, 22 commentary, “Debating policy based only on faith makes compromise extremely difficult.”)
The Bible affirms life, and our Declaration of Independence affirms “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Rep. Howard, convince us that unborn babies are not mortal, like you, or if they are, they shouldn’t be.
Larry Michael Lommel, Arlington
Abortions are just a small percentage of Planned Parenthood’s services.
Personally, I believe that abortion is being used to anger and offend people, primarily to gain votes, and I’m tired of the hypocrisy.
Texans are reasonable people. We all know that abortion is legal, but even if it weren’t, it would still happen in back alleys with coat hangers.
Do we want to go back to those days?
Let’s work on stopping abortions by preventing unwanted pregnancies.
Terry Koontz, Arlington
Juneteenth plate
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is issuing a specialty license plate for Juneteenth after a specialty license plate for the Sons of Confederate Veterans was denied.
I will be offended every time I see a Juneteenth license plate.
Can I get the Supreme Court to review this decision?
Joe Wade,
North Richland Hills
This story was originally published October 30, 2015 at 4:04 PM with the headline "FW Symphony; Abortion; Juneteenth plate."