That it still is, and that it might still be, is of importance in North Carolina, where the symphony in the 1940s became the very first in the country supported by continuous appropriations from the legislature. For this is the people's symphony, one that does not confine its performances to the Meymandi concert hall in downtown Raleigh, great venue though it is. No, this symphony travels, reaches out, embraces the role it plays in the enlightenment of the young, and in the enjoyment of everyone else.
So it is disturbing, if not surprising, that the state symphony has fallen on hard times, just as many other organizations, businesses and people have. The state may reduce support, and donations are declining. The group is making appeals in every way it can, including from the stage and via its charismatic conductor, Grant Llewellyn.
The N.C. Symphony needs to find some angels, patrons and corporations who are willing to dig deeper to preserve this fantastic asset that enriches so many citizens.
Llewellyn is due credit for his passion to preserve quality. Yes, he says, the orchestra may have to alter programs that would involve bringing in more musicians for ambitious pieces, but that doesn't mean the quality of performance need suffer. "One of the wonderful things about classical music," he says, "is that it comes in all shape and sizes."
Still, it hurts that a planned European tour slated for next year is gone, that the number of pops concerts will be cut, that some guest artists are beyond the means of the symphony. May the angels soon appear.
