Local and Industry News

The Knight Foundation has awarded another $3.8 million in challenge grants to south Florida organizations.

Recipients include:

recording

symphonic

The musicians of the Florida Orchestra have ratified modifications to their collective bargaining agreement, which expires in September 2012. The modifications help the orchestra reduce its budget from $9.5 million to $8 million by reducing the number of weeks in the season from 32 to 25/24. Musicians will be automatically granted one unpaid leave request from a Masterworks Series per season, and additional unpaid leave will not be unreasonably denied. Peer Review/Appeals Committee language has also now been added to the agreement.

The Royal Philharmonic Society and the Association of British Orchestras have created the Salomon Prize, which will recognize a single orchestral player in a UK-based ensemble for inspiring a spirit of teamwork within their orchestra.

The Cleveland Orchestra's 2010 financial report shows a healthier financial picture for the orchestra. While the orchestra reported a $2.3 million deficit, the value of the endowment fund rose nearly 10 percent, paid attendance rose 9 percent, concert revenue rose 8 percent, and corporate giving rose rose over 20 percent over the previous year.

The Louisville Symphony has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The orchestra's largest creditor is the AFM-EPF, which is owed over $43 thousand. A reorganization plan is due from the orchestra by April 2011.