Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

site web  

HAMILTON — Less than a year after becoming the Hamilton-Fairfield Symphony Orchestra's first full-time conductor and musical director, Paul John Stanbery recommended to the board of directors last week several budget cuts, including a 20 percent reduction of his own salary.

"We have had very loyal constituents who have contributed through the years to bring us to where we are," Stanbery said. "With the economy being where it is, however, business owners who are worried about making payroll are not going to be making big contributions to the arts."

Other recommendations presented to the board oat its November meeting included modifying orchestra rehearsal time and making cutbacks in printing orders, as well as other smaller items. He also asked the board to forego his salary for the remainder of the month of November.

The symphony's annual budget is approximately $250,000 annually, Stanbery said.

The board hailed this as a gesture of leadership toward shoring up finances in the current economic climate, according to chairman Sharon Hughes.

"We are fortunate to have had a high-quality orchestra in the Hamilton-Fairfield area for the past 57 years," she said. "Maestro Stanbery and the board are committed to continuing our trend of fine musical events and presenting our best with less."

The orchestra and its chorale perform throughout the year, with 10 to 12 concerts, including the Ohio Mozart Festival, the Tillmann Memorial Concert and the upcoming Majesty of Christmas concerts.

"It is imperative that we be responsible and proactive in these challenging times," Stanbery said, noting that fundraising has been especially difficult recently. "We're going to do everything we can make sure that we are here for our public, and our musicians. Concert elimination will be a last resort.

"This is a time for leadership, not self interest," he said.

For more information on the Hamilton-Fairfield Symphony, visit its Web site at www.HFSO.org or call (513) 895-5151.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2188 or rjones@coxohio.com.