As a non-profit organization, the MSO relies heavily on donations to cover necessary expenses such as facility rentals, salaries, and publicity. Unfortunately, one of the more expensive elements of operating an ensemble is renting music. There is a plethora of great music available to us in the public domain, but it’s all over a century old and from a period when the demographic of published composers was heavily influenced (though it still is) by privilege. While we want to better showcase music from a more diverse pool of composers, the costs of renting music is very restrictive. Shorter works typically cost around $500 per performance, with larger symphonic works costing in excess of $1500.
Our goal for this upcoming season is to raise $4000 for the Repertoire Reserve that will be used exclusively for the rental and performance of works by historically excluded composers. This will give us the opportunity to perform works such as Margaret Bonds’ Montgomery Variations, Duke Ellington’s arrangement of the Nutcracker Suite, or Valerie Coleman’s Umoja.
Gifts are tax-deductible and individual donations in excess of $250 will receive printed recognition in our upcoming programs. Donors may also request to remain anonymous.
Our goal is for the music we play to better represent the community we serve. We are so grateful for your support!
If you would like to donate, you can do so electronically using the button above, or by mailing a check to:
Montgomery Symphony Orchestra
7304 Carroll Ave. #208
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Please make checks payable to “Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Inc.” and put “Rep Reserve” in the Notes field so it goes to the right fund!