Abilene Philharmonic shatters goal and raises $2 million for Music Director Endowment Campaign.
February 2022: After surpassing the Phase 1 campaign goal of $1.5 million with a staggering $2 million, Abilene Philharmonic pushes forward with a Phase 2 goal of raising an additional $1 million by its 75th Anniversary season.
The funds raised from the campaign will be dedicated to providing a competitive salary to retain and attract a world-class Music Director for the foreseeable future. The funding will also help Abilene Philharmonic support a list of immediate goals:
- Create capacity for a much deserved pay increase for the over 70 musicians who perform with the APO.
- Directly impact the quality and diversity of guest artists that share the stage with the APO.
- Substantially increase the available budget needed to properly market and advertise the APO’s concerts and education programs that include the Abilene Youth Orchestra, Mission: Strings, masterclasses, Instrument Petting Zoos, and more.
Abilene Philharmonic had an overwhelming success with the initial silent Phase 1 of this endowment campaign. Unending gratitude goes out to chairs Larry and Mary Gill, for their astounding work and support leading the first leg of this campaign. With their help, the organization was able to exceed their goal and raise over $2 million in pledges and contributions that go toward the Music Director Endowment Campaign.
“This is truly incredible,” says APO Music Director and Conductor David Itkin, “The work that Larry and Mary have done will be felt for generations.”
Per Mr. Itkin, the APO is also extending special naming opportunities to memorialize or honor a loved one or family member with a permanent, named position or chair. Long-time APO violinist, Joyce McGlaun, is retiring from the orchestra after 46-long-years. As part of the campaign, a generous family endowed the Principal Second Violin chair in her name. From now on, the chair will be known as “Joyce McGlaun Principal Second Violin Chair”.
——-
About Abilene Philharmonic
One of the most prestigious performing arts organizations in West Texas, Abilene Philharmonic unleashes the power of music to entertain, educate, and inspire through live symphonic music and community engagement. Founded in 1950, the organization has grown from a volunteer community orchestra to a regionally recognized professional symphony orchestra.
For more information, please visit https://abilenephilharmonic.org
