The substantial anonymous gift bolsters a successful period of fundraising that will help keep the symphony together during COVID-19 disruption.
The Colorado Symphony Association (CSA) said it received a "substantial" anonymous gift that will allow it to continue to pay its musicians and staff through June. The gift also will allow it to continue to provide full coverage of health care benefits even though the orchestra hasn't had its normal lineup of live performances for nearly a year due to COVID-19.
“We’re incredibly grateful to this anonymous donor for this very generous gift,” said Jerome H. Kern, CEO and Chair of the Board of Trustees. “This significant donation will help maintain our operations as we continue to work towards the time when we can perform with audiences in Boettcher Concert Hall.”
Like many organizations in the arts, the Colorado Symphony endured a difficult year in 2020 as the result of the pandemic. However, CSA said it enjoyed record end-of-calendar-year fundraising, which was bolstered by the anonymous donation. In December, CSA raised more than $2.5 million to be used in maintaining the ensemble and staff as preparations are made for post-health pandemic operations.
Since the beginning of the symphony's fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020, it has raised more than $4.1 million, including record-breaking pledges exceeding $122,000 on Colorado Gives Day, a matching $50,000 challenge grant by The Butler Family Fund of The Denver Foundation, and more than $150,000 in ticket donations by patrons and subscribers from canceled concerts. In addition, CSA's Play on Recovery Fund has surpassed the $300,000 mark.
This fundraising has made it possible for CSA to keep its musicians and staff together and allow the orchestra to bring symphonic music into countless homes across the world through virtual offerings, it said. CSA also has expanded education programs offered virtually for students throughout Colorado.
In November, the Colorado Symphony announced the 2020/21 season events at Boettcher Concert Hall through May 2021 would be canceled or rescheduled due to pandemic-related restrictions.
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