Letter of the week, 9/24/07

[David]

Wallingford Symphony Orchestra: A jewel lost?
Editor:
Wallingford’s jewel is in danger of losing its brilliance and disappearing from our midst. What a shame! Recently, the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra presented a concert in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Paul Mellon, our town’s most generous benefactor. The concert was glorious but the audience was embarrassingly minimal.
Those who attended were mesmerized by the performances. One in particular was the stirring rendition of “Rhapsody in Blue.” Those of us who were sitting in the orchestra were able to watch Ms. Tsuruta's fingers literally fly over the keyboard as the full orchestra supported and enriched her performance. Even the least devotee of classical music would have been enthralled!
But we are in danger of losing this treasure. Our town is not supporting our symphony. It is rumored that our symphony orchestra may not have the funds to finish this season and may be dissolved in the near future. Image our loss of the annual summer “pops” concerts, the children’s concerts throughout the school year that introduce our young to quality music. Certainly these events have been of major importance to Wallingford’s quality of life.
The WSO needs our support. It needs attendance at concerts; it needs contributions; it needs a realization of its worth to our community. Don't let the jewel disappear.
KENNETH DONADIO, WALLINGFORD

[Fit 2 Print]

I certainly agree that if a local symphony is to succeed, it needs proper funding and lots of people enthusiastically attending concerts.
In a certain sense, though, I wonder if the term (in this case), "Wallingford Symphony Orchestra" is something of a misnomer, given that most of the musicians come from other towns all over Connecticut, even though they perform under one roof in Wallingford.
Since the players are largely not Wallingford's own, how can this assortment of statewide musicians be truly thought of as "Wallingford Symphony"? It's really a talented group of Connecticut musicians, paid to play.
Perhaps this accounts for less-than-desired turnouts as residents realize they have no real "owernership" in the group, other than its name and those, locally, who organize and promote it.
Finally, I doubt that most towns the size of Wallingford can truly afford to fully fund a full symphony orchestra, no matter how beautiful the experience. Still, I love the music and wish nothing but success for the enterprise!