According to a news released by the Oregon Public Broadcasting, the Oregon Symphony is still trying to get its $14 million budget balanced, after taking several serious steps to reduce expenses. With the city of Portland (Oregon/USA) declining any financial support, the Orchestra sent out a fundraising email to supporters. On the other hand, the organization cancelled an expensive Carnegie Hall concert in New York City, rearranged its programs with more popular works, and negotiated $300,000 in concessions with its musicians’ union. Now, the existing gap in the budget can only be filled by contributions.
The Oregon Symphony – Carlos Kalmar is the Music Director there – performs at Schnitzer Auditorium in Portland as well as at Smith Auditorium, Willamette University, in Salem, 70 kilometers south of Portland.