September 30, 2014
“The arts are not for the privileged few, but for the many. Their place is not on the periphery of daily life, but at its center. They should function not merely as another form of entertainment but, rather, should contribute significantly to our well being and happiness.” –John D. Rockefeller
To the musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra:
It is a universal fact that music is an integral part of our existence as a human race. Whether we like hearing the crisp, classical sounds of composers like Mozart and Haydn, or prefer the pieces by composers still finding their voices today, the sounds of symphonic ensembles must continue to resound not only for us, but for the generations to come, so that they may see the power it holds for our American culture. Music and the arts have been the source of great strength, great change, and great hope for people of all walks of life from every part of the globe, and it is our obligation to ensure this continuation here in the south.
When many people listen to symphonic music, they think of the large orchestras of Europe and try to imagine how people living in London, Berlin, or Vienna could be so lucky to have such amazing music right in their back yards. What they may fail to realize, however, is that world class music exists right here for all to enjoy. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has been a beacon of excellence and an example of true artistry to students and professionals alike for nearly 70 years, and this rich musical tradition is facing opposition. It goes without saying that we must do everything we can to uphold and support the effort toward saving the ASO, and we, the members of the Knoxville Symphony, show our support and stand firm in the efforts toward restoring what has been one of the most important mediums of classical music not only in Georgia, but the country, for decades. As an orchestra, we urge not only other musicians and aficionados, but anyone interested in the continuation of one of the art forms that transcend daily life, to stand with you and support not just your cause, but the cause.
In Solidarity,
Your colleagues of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
“The arts are not for the privileged few, but for the many. Their place is not on the periphery of daily life, but at its center. They should function not merely as another form of entertainment but, rather, should contribute significantly to our well being and happiness.” –John D. Rockefeller
To the musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra:
It is a universal fact that music is an integral part of our existence as a human race. Whether we like hearing the crisp, classical sounds of composers like Mozart and Haydn, or prefer the pieces by composers still finding their voices today, the sounds of symphonic ensembles must continue to resound not only for us, but for the generations to come, so that they may see the power it holds for our American culture. Music and the arts have been the source of great strength, great change, and great hope for people of all walks of life from every part of the globe, and it is our obligation to ensure this continuation here in the south.
When many people listen to symphonic music, they think of the large orchestras of Europe and try to imagine how people living in London, Berlin, or Vienna could be so lucky to have such amazing music right in their back yards. What they may fail to realize, however, is that world class music exists right here for all to enjoy. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has been a beacon of excellence and an example of true artistry to students and professionals alike for nearly 70 years, and this rich musical tradition is facing opposition. It goes without saying that we must do everything we can to uphold and support the effort toward saving the ASO, and we, the members of the Knoxville Symphony, show our support and stand firm in the efforts toward restoring what has been one of the most important mediums of classical music not only in Georgia, but the country, for decades. As an orchestra, we urge not only other musicians and aficionados, but anyone interested in the continuation of one of the art forms that transcend daily life, to stand with you and support not just your cause, but the cause.
In Solidarity,
Your colleagues of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra