Dayton, Ohio (May 22, 2009) – The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced a number of changes to ensure financial stability in its 2009-2010 fiscal year, which begins Monday, June 1.
Three full-time staff positions in the DPO office have been eliminated, effective June 1. These are in addition to two positions that were eliminated in the summer of 2008. Also, Music Director Neal Gittleman, President Paul Helfrich, and five staff department heads will take a 10% salary reduction, and the rest of the DPO administrative staff will take a 3% salary reduction.
Further, the musicians of the orchestra have voted to forego the 5.5% raise that was guaranteed to them by their collective bargaining agreement for the 2009-2010 season and instead take a pay freeze, fixing their per-service rate at the same level as 2008-2009.
“These are challenging times for all non-profit organizations, including the Dayton Philharmonic,” said DPO President Paul Helfrich. “Our first priority is to keep the music playing – to continue providing the area with the exceptional range of concerts and high-quality education programs it has come to expect. These steps will help us to achieve that goal.”
There will be no change in 2009-2010 Season programming and artist lineup.
“The Philharmonic is no stranger to tough times,” Helfrich added. “Our first concert was given in 1933, at the height of the Great Depression. So while we adjust to the current economy, we continue to look forward, because we know we play an important role in education, in economic development, and in helping to make our community attractive and vital. Through good times and bad, we are the community’s orchestra, bringing people together through great performances.”
The DPO’s 2008-2009 Season concludes on May 29 & 30 at the Schuster Center, with a pair of classical subscription concerts featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ choral work Dona nobis pacem.
Single tickets for this season and subscriptions for next season are available by calling (888) 228-3¬630 or by ordering on the web at daytonphilharmonic.com. Information about the DPO’s 2009-2010 Season can be found at daytonphilharmonic.com/orchestrachorusroster58