Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra; Republicans’ alternative

FW Symphony

All of the major performing arts groups in Fort Worth are struggling financially, partly due to the overwhelming expense of renting Bass Hall for rehearsals and performances.

For the symphony, this is much of the half-million-dollar annual deficit.

By contrast, the Dallas concert hall is owned by the city and costs the Dallas Symphony Orchestra virtually nothing. The Van Cliburn recital series has reduced its Bass Hall footprint to only one performance for next season. Could the FWSO find a less expensive performance space for some concerts?

To reduce expenses, the Fort Worth Opera moved its administrative staff to cheaper office space. Is the FWSO considering similar cuts?

Budgets involve both income and expenses. As a “major donor,” I have not seen any fundraising requests in months.

I do receive multiple reminders of the Fort Worth Opera’s very innovative summer million-dollar campaign and matching gifts program. Is the FWSO Association following suit?

We have taken great pride in watching our orchestra grow in international acclaim over the past few years.

I am watching in horror as our very talented musicians leave Fort Worth for organizations that appreciate their contributions. Please don’t dismantle our world-class symphony orchestra!

It’s a tragedy that the Fort Worth community cannot fund even a second-tier full-time professional symphony orchestra as so many other communities are able to do.

It’s a tragedy for the grossly underpaid musicians and their families and a tragedy for the reputation of Fort Worth, which would falsely claim to be a city of culture.

GOP alternative

The alternative for Republicans who can’t support Donald Trump is not to vote for Hillary Clinton but to leave the vote for president blank and vote for the other conservative candidates.

If you call yourself a Republican or a conservative, I don’t see how you can vote to maintain or speed up the downhill direction the government has gone the past eight years.

This story was originally published July 11, 2016 at 4:53 PM with the headline "Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra; Republicans’ alternative."