Symphony defends request

By richard rolke Morning Star Staff Nov 26 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Okanagan Symphony hopes a significant hike in taxpayers' funding will provide financial stability. Symphony officials will be before Vernon council Monday to support their request to the North Okanagan Regional District to have the annual contribution rise from 10 cents per capita to 70 cents. That would see it climb from $6,008 to $42,057. "If we don't ask for an increase, the symphony won't be viable," said Maria Besso, a symphony director. Besso admits that the increase sounds large, but points out that it has been many years since the symphony has approached NORD. "We've been long overdue in asking," she said. Okanagan Symphony almost folded a few years ago, and Besso says it is now getting its books in order. However, the Vernon concerts last year rang up a $29,000 deficit. If more assistance isn't forthcoming, Besso says there could be a reduction in the number of Vernon performances. "We would survive but we would have to fundraise more." Beyond its obvious cultural component, Besso says there is an economic impact. Twenty-two players, including seven core musicians, come from the North Okanagan. "They pay taxes, they shop and they teach at the music school. If they can make a living, it benefits the community," said Besso. Some other North Okanagan communities have suggested a lesser increase for the symphony - such as 20 cents per capita. Besso believes that is an option. "I'd be happy with anything," she said. The symphony's request is already meeting some opposition in Vernon. "That's a huge jump. Seventy cents is a little steep," said Coun. Jack Gilroy. He added that Vernon provides 70 per cent of the funding for every NORD function. "That's a huge whack for the city." Despite that, Gilroy says he would be willing to consider some type of a funding hike for the symphony.Coun. Pat Cochrane, who sits on the NORD board, is interested in hearing the symphony's presentation. "It's something worth looking at but we also have to look at it in the context of the support provided to other groups," he said.