Campaign Momentum Builds

Dear Friends,

What a way to start the season! On the eve of opening night, it was my extreme pleasure to announce that Carlos had extended his contract through the 2008-2009 season. That is exactly the news we needed to ensure the incredible momentum of these last two seasons continues. Now we will move forward with ever more confidence in and excitement for the future.

While Carlos and the musicians continue to thrill us from stage, the board, volunteers, staff and I—with your help—will continue to tell our story and to build a strong financial base of support for our future. We will continue to talk about excellence; we will continue to talk about meaningful community engagement and statewide service; and we will continue to talk about economic vitality and sound business practices. We will also keep talking about The 59% Solution, the need to close the gap between ticket sales and orchestra expenses. All of those topics are central to who we are, how we will succeed, and why the Oregon Symphony is a valued cultural treasure.

We are now in year two of the James F. and Marion S. Miller Foundation "Miller Match" challenge grant. Year one finished with a bang, with more than 3,000 donors giving $1.9 million in new money to support the Symphony's annual fund. This year the Miller Foundation will match, dollar for dollar, another $2 million in new money. And it will succeed.

In the words of Laureate Music Director James DePreist, appearing with us this month: "Invest in the Oregon Symphony. It's worth far more than it costs and pays dividends beyond measure… What a deal!"

What if you could hear only 41 percent of the music? Unthinkable!

Sincerely,

William A. Ryberg