In the last issue of South Florida Musician, we reported that Florida Philharmonic musicians agreed to a reduction in season length to save the orchestra from financial ruin. Musicians agreed to give up four weeks this season and four weeks next season. However, FPO musicians will be even more instrumental in saving the future of the orchestra with the establishment of an Artistic Oversight Board.
Originally proposed by musicians, the Board will guide the orchestra's overall artistic activities, and will give a voice to both the musicians themselves as well as the venue boards. The Artistic Oversight Board will consist of the Executive Director, Governing Council members (including Venue Board representatives), and an equal number of elected orchestra members. With the goal of furthering the financial and artistic health of the orchestra and ensuring artistic integrity as a cultural organization, the Board will have final authority over all programming.
Members of the Artistic Oversight Board include musicians Jeff Kaye, John Dee, Michael McClelland, Richard Hancock, Igor Gruppman, Nicolae Soare; Governing Council members William Fisher, Mort Levy, Dick Cash, Harold Klebanoff; and General Manager Neil Birnbaum.
Also gained as a result of the financial trade-off, musicians will see restored the small ensemble language that was lost at the last contract negotiation, and no nonrenewal proceedings will be initiated in the next two seasons.
We have been asked what the status of the Boca Pops Orchestra's 1099's are and have been in touch with the Trustee's office regarding this.
The Trustee has hired an accounting firm to file the tax returns and send out the appropriate W-2's and 1099's. These should be out by the end of January. If you have not received the appropriate form by now, please contact the Local and we will follow up with the Trustee's office.
Carmen Creel has been named associate artistic administrator of the New World Symphony...FPO former interim Executive Director Connie Linsler has been named executive director of the Nashville Chamber Orchestra...Matt Corey has been appointed Personnel Manager of the Florida Philharmonic...the Florida Philharmonic has also announced the election of Daniel R. Lewis as chairperson of its Governing Council. ..