OPUS

Orchestra Players United of Shreveport-Bossier  

IS THE SYMPHONY IN FINANCIAL CRISIS?

In recent weeks the Shreveport Symphony management has attempted to paint a bleak picture of the SSO finances. Is the SSO really in trouble?

• There is NO bank debt.
• According to the cash flow report distributed to the SSO board on April 23, the management is projecting a $97,704 budget SURPLUSfor the 2007-08 season.

The board and management of the SSO want to cut the full-time players’ salary from $12,693 to $ 3,123. They claim they are forced to make these cuts due to economic realities. However, making the orchestra part-time has long been a goal of some of the board and management.

• The cuts are not part of a strategic plan. The SSO plans to hire yet another consultant to come up with a business plan once the cuts are made.
• The only cuts being made to the budget are from the full-time player’s salaries. All other areas of the budget stay the same or are increased.
• Many in the community have asked how much money it would take to keep the full-time musicians, but SSO management will not provide a dollar amount. It appears they don’t want additional money being raised.

Please help us to keep a great professional orchestra in Shreveport-Bossier City . By visiting our website, you can find more information about the musicians, ways to help, and our audience association SOOSBAA.

www.shreveportmusicians.org