Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 2010-2011 Season of the Grand Rapids Symphony. An outstanding season is ahead of us, filled with concerts by the orchestra, Symphony Chorus, Youth Symphony and Youth Choruses. Our performances are complemented by continued collaboration with other organizations, including Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet. We are thrilled to participate in ArtPrize again this year, including the premiere of the Symphony’s second ArtPrize commission.
After more than a decade with David Lockington as Music Director, the institution’s artistic growth has been tremendous, with the orchestra performing at a level that reflects the remarkable growth in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.
As we celebrate the Symphony’s 81st anniversary season, our confidence in the future is strengthened by the knowledge that our orchestra has continued to serve the community during both prosperous and challenging times. Thanks to the steadfast commitment of our community, we have continued to maintain the quality and scope of our concerts and educational programs.
This fall, we will honor and celebrate the vision of leaders who created a vital community resource that opened in the fall of 1980. We celebrate the 30th anniversary of DeVos Performance Hall, the primary home of the Grand Rapids Symphony. DeVos Performance Hall continues to play a fundamental and essential role in the growth of our Symphony and other arts organizations in West Michigan. Since its opening 30 years ago, DeVos Performance Hall has made extraordinary and sustained contributions to the strength and vitality of our community.
The last ten years have brought the orchestra’s Carnegie Hall debut, a Grammy nomination, the Symphony with Soul concerts and expanding educational programs, all while increasing the level of artistry of our exceptional musicians under the leadership of David Lockington.
Looking to the future, the Symphony’s 2009-2014 Strategic Plan is rooted in a vision of creating and delivering more value. Board members, musicians, staff and other community leaders are actively involved in work focused on areas such as Education and Community Engagement. A great many talented people are guiding and helping our Symphony pursue initiatives outlined in the plan, which includes a Financial Roadmap to help guide our efforts to ensure continued fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
Throughout our history, the Symphony has relied on the leadership and support of loyal patrons like you. All of us are deeply appreciative of not only our community’s financial support, but also the advocacy of orchestral music and related educational programs.
Please share your thoughts about how your Symphony is doing, by writing to me at pkjome@grsymphony.org. On behalf of our Board of Directors, musicians, and staff, we are honored by your presence at concerts and grateful for your continued support.
Regards,
Peter T. Kjome
President and CEO
Grand Rapids Symphony