San Antonio Symphony News and Archive

San Antonio Symphony Worth Investment

Intellectual, spiritual values unmatchable




By Amy Freeman Lee

from the San Antonio Express News 4/10/98



I always thought that when we had a first-rate symphony conductor on the podium and a first-rate orchestra performing under his baton that San Antonio would respond by not only creating standing-room-only conditions at every concert but also providing generous financial support. Wrong!

We now have both an outstanding conductor and orchestra, but where are the large audiences and the needed solid monetary foundation?

All the values of a symphony from the material to the spiritual have been reiterated innumerable times. We are constantly reminded that an orchestra is a direct source of revenue, not only for the musicians, but also for the city through the local and tourist audiences the orchestra attracts and the requirement of corporation venues it fulfills. Few, if any, major corporations will move to a city that lacks cultural elements.

The intellectual and spiritual values of an orchestra should never be overlooked because their contribution to the quality of life is prodigious. The essence of a city is composed of more than what emanates from an athletic arena if it hopes to be complete and to qualify as a civilized, cultivated community.

While it is possible to exist without music, it is not possible to live on the human level without it. Music is called the universal language, because it transcends words and puts one in tune and time with the rhythm of the universe. It is the language of the heart and spirit, and , as such, is capable of lifting the listeners beyond the material aspects of life. It has the innate potential of transcendence.

If there ever was a time in our history when we needed to balance facts with feelings, it is now. We are inundated with factual information by our technological gadgets that overload the left side of our brain. To live on the human level, we also need to nourish the right side - the feeling side - of our brain. Music, like all of the arts, is among the major sources of this nutrition.

Symphony Director Christopher Wilkins has made every effort to serve every element of our city, including schools, churches and the public. He has received national and international recognition for his highly creative and innovative programming. He also has been widely acclaimed in the role of guest conductor in many places, including Chicago and Houston.

At the close of a recent Houston concert, he received a standing ovation and five curtain calls from that musically sophisticated audience. He has recognized the ethnic qualities of our population by placing emphasis on Latin American and African-Amercian music. In summary, our orchestra is sustainedly oriented toward community service.

However, all of this has to be paid for now! While ticket sales are of primary importance, they are never enough as a sole source of revenue.

The city government needs to be more generous in its support. It needs to provide a permanent venue without cost to the orchestra in addition to an annual allocation of funds. This procedure is routine in most major cities throughout the country.

Let me remind City Council members that our symphony serves all sectors of the city.

To have something of distinction and significance like our symphony and fail to recognize, acknowledge, and support it is unconscionable and unacceptable. To the public in general, and specifically to members of City Council, may I suggest that we strike up the band, not strike it out.

---

Amy Freeman Lee is a founding member of the San Antonio Symphony.


Back to the Symphony Archives.