Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra announces $8.8 million initative

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra celebrates return to live music, and announces the Music Connects Us campaign, an $8.8 million fundraising initiative. 

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Media Meet and Greet: Wednesday, October 14, 2021

 

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra announced an $8.8 million fundraising initiative, Music Connects Us, to support the KSO's work in the community. This initiative was announced during the orchestra's 100th season. Board President Renee Pearl announced that the organization has already raised $6 million, 70 percent of the campaign goal. 

 

"The KSO has been working for many months on a very special initiative that will boost us into the future with a bold plan to create success and adapt and grow for our next era," said Executive Director Jessica Mallow Gulley. 

 

Mallow Gulley says the KSO is ready to embrace both new and long-established music lovers in their upcoming season, and new and long-favored composers, as they adapt for this new era.

 

"We have to embrace these important changes to diversify this organization, and provide equitable access to the arts," said Mallow Gully.

 

Money raised will be put towards bringing artistic talent to Kalamazoo, invested in community engagement and education initiatives, and used to secure employment for over 80 musicians employed with the KSO.  Mallow Gully says this initiave is crucial for ensuring short term and long term financial security for all of the programs the KSO brings to the community.

 

Mallow Gully says that for the 2021-22 season, COVID-19 vaccinations are a requirement to attend all indoor concerts.

 

"We did not take this decision lightly, and of course we invite those who are seeking an exemption to reach out and have that conversation," Mallow Gully said. 

 

The symphony is also celebrating a return to in-person, indoor concerts after a season without. The orchestra is led by Music Director Julien Kuerti. The season opens at Miller Auditorium on Saturday, October 16, with Mozart's Concerto No. 25; with Pianist Richard Goode, Dvorak's Symphony No. 8, and Traces by KSO cellist, Elizabeth Start.