HSO's Chairman Has Issued a Challenge

David Roth, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, is challenging the community to increase its giving through the “Chairman’s Challenge.” He has pledged to match on a dollar-for-dollar basis any new or increased gifts made to the HSO by May 31, 2011, up to $500,000.

The search for a new music director for the HSO includes seven candidates making guest conductor appearances (four occurred during the 2009-10 season, and three are taking place in the 2010-11 season during October, November and December 2010). The successor to current Music Director Edward Cumming is expected to be announced in January 2011. Cumming will continue to lead the orchestra through the conclusion of the 2010-11 season (his ninth with the HSO) in June of 2011.

The HSO, marking its 67th season in 2010-11, is the second largest orchestra in New England and widely recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras. Dedicated to the performance of live symphonic music and the presentation of quality education and community programs, each season the Hartford Symphony plays to audiences numbering approximately 125,000. Supported by more than 4,500 subscribers and 2,000 donors, the orchestra's extensive array of Musical Pathways educational activities serves more than 64,000 individuals in Hartford and surrounding communities annually. For more information about the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, visit http://www.hartfordsymphony.org/.