Folsom Symphony receives two local arts grants

The board of directors of the Folsom Symphony and its music director Michael Neumann are pleased to announce the symphony has received two major grants to help the orchestra continue bringing beautiful music to the Folsom Lake region.

The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, which supports, promotes and advances the arts in the Sacramento area, awarded the symphony $7,953.22 per year for three years, for a total of $23,850 through 2014. The Anita MacBride Fund of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, which supports the arts, environment, human services and children, gave the symphony a one-time $1,500 grant to be applied specifically toward its upcoming “Glorious Beethoven!” concert.

The Arts Commission grants are among the most sought-after grant awards in the Sacramento area. The money will be used to help cover operating expenses such as the fees to Three Stages and payments to guest soloists.

The Anita MacBride grant will provide extra funding to help the symphony present its Beethoven concert, featuring the magnificent Ninth Symphony, March 24 and 25. With a chorus and added musicians, this concert is the most ambitious work the Folsom Symphony has ever undertaken. Extra rehearsals will be necessary to master the challenging piece.

“These grant awards reflect the strength of our organization and the commitment of our musicians and volunteers to continue providing top-quality concerts for our patrons,” said Anson Wong, corporate secretary and symphony violinist. “We are extremely grateful to the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission and the Anita MacBride Fund for their generosity.”

The Folsom Symphony is a volunteer orchestra. Its musicians perform solely for the joy of playing their music. Now in its eighth season, and its second at the exquisite Three Stages theater, the symphony is reaching sold-out audiences for most performances.

Beethoven’s Ninth is universally considered to be a classical masterpiece and the composer’s finest work. Everyone should experience it at least once, says Maestro Neumann. Tickets are still available at this website or by calling 916-608-6888. See the website also for information on our final performance June 2.