National Philharmonic to Close - Thanks to MoCo County Council!

[Anonymous]

https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/news/national-philharmonic-to-close/?utm_source=Bethesda+Magazine+Master+List&utm_campaign=5c0dcbfd7b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_7.16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1bbe9df5d9-5c0dcbfd7b-103050727&mc_cid=5c0dcbfd7b&mc_eid=c0beee24d7

The County Council failed to approve $150,000 in funds. 130 musicians and staff are losing their jobs.

$150K doesn’t seem like a ton of money. Why could they not come up with that?

[Anonymous]

Sounds like from the article that the Philharmonic has had cash deficits since 2016. County bailed them out for $400K & then asked them to figure out how to increase audience appeal. Apparently they were unable to do so - also seems like the govt shutdown affected them greatly. Too bad - but also seems like they had a long lead time to try to move to profitability. Hope they figure out an effective use for Strathmore.

[Anonymous]

Disastrous for Strathmore. We’re regulars there. How sad.

[Anonymous]

$150K seems like a really small percentage of the County budget.

Was there nowhere in the budget that they could come up with this money? We seem to have money for lots of other pet projects. I guess the Philharmonic doesn’t fit into the ‘Equity’ focused model of government.

[Anonymous]

What a bummer. I’m a little surprised there isn’t a generous donor that will kick in the 150.

[Anonymous]

I don't think they will actually close. Just another false alarm and wake up call to shake the money tree

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/news/national-philharmonic-to-close/?utm_source=Bethesda+Magazine+Master+List&utm_campaign=5c0dcbfd7b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_7.16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1bbe9df5d9-5c0dcbfd7b-103050727&mc_cid=5c0dcbfd7b&mc_eid=c0beee24d7

The County Council failed to approve $150,000 in funds. 130 musicians and staff are losing their jobs.

$150K doesn’t seem like a ton of money. Why could they not come up with that?

Surely some Potomac or CCMD DCUMers can write that check today?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think they will actually close. Just another false alarm and wake up call to shake the money tree

Has this happened before? Hope you’re right an they are able to stay open.

[Anonymous]

This is sad and shocking and depressing and unacceptable! Please contact your representatives. NPO is a terrific organization and their concerts at Strathmore, including free tickets for kids, are wonderful. Can’t we do better to preserve the arts, which are such an important part of the human existence?

[Anonymous]

Such a shame the county didn’t provide the 150k. The county benefits greatly from the National Philharmonic. They host concerts regularly for elementary school students at no cost and they provide a draw to Strathmore/MoCo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is sad and shocking and depressing and unacceptable! Please contact your representatives. NPO is a terrific organization and their concerts at Strathmore, including free tickets for kids, are wonderful. Can’t we do better to preserve the arts, which are such an important part of the human existence?

It appears that the County Council has different priorities. Preserving the arts does not align with their current mission.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Such a shame the county didn’t provide the 150k. The county benefits greatly from the National Philharmonic. They host concerts regularly for elementary school students at no cost and they provide a draw to Strathmore/MoCo.

My kid really enjoyed this field trip in 2nd grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/news/national-philharmonic-to-close/?utm_source=Bethesda+Magazine+Master+List&utm_campaign=5c0dcbfd7b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_7.16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1bbe9df5d9-5c0dcbfd7b-103050727&mc_cid=5c0dcbfd7b&mc_eid=c0beee24d7

The County Council failed to approve $150,000 in funds. 130 musicians and staff are losing their jobs.

$150K doesn’t seem like a ton of money. Why could they not come up with that?

Surely some Potomac or CCMD DCUMers can write that check today?

Evidently they prefer for the county to do it with tax dollars.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/news/national-philharmonic-to-close/?utm_source=Bethesda+Magazine+Master+List&utm_campaign=5c0dcbfd7b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_7.16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1bbe9df5d9-5c0dcbfd7b-103050727&mc_cid=5c0dcbfd7b&mc_eid=c0beee24d7

The County Council failed to approve $150,000 in funds. 130 musicians and staff are losing their jobs.

$150K doesn’t seem like a ton of money. Why could they not come up with that?

Surely some Potomac or CCMD DCUMers can write that check today?

Evidently they prefer for the county to do it with tax dollars.

Or in MoCo, NOT do it.

I agree that this is something that should be taken care of with tax dollars. Every single kid in the County benefits from this in 2nd and 5th grade. Plus, it's great to have this locally, especially with all the young musicians in the area. Why is the County so willing to let it go?

[Anonymous]

Oh please. Why keep throwing good money after bad? If the National Phil has a crappy business model, that’s not the Council’s fault.