National Philharmonic Survives Another Season

BETHESDA, MD — Two weeks after announcing it would cease operations, the National Philharmonic at Strathmore has managed to raise enough money to stay afloat. The esteemed orchestra broke the news on its fundraising site, which organizers used to collect $150,000 by July 31.

"As of July 30, 2019, we have exceeded our goal. We have saved the National Philharmonic," the petition read.

Bethesda Beat reports that the group has received more than 400 donations, totaling more than $200,000.

It's a welcome reprieve for more than 130 union musicians and staff who would have lost their jobs if the orchestra closed for good.

"We are gratified that people have such a strong attachment to National Philharmonic," Todd Eskelsen, the orchestra's Board of Directors chairman, told Bethesda Beat. "We're gratified to see people are energized and focused on saving National Philharmonic, and hopefully this is the beginning of financial stability."

As the county's biggest classical music orchestra, the National Philharmonic holds dozens of performances a year at the Music Center at Strathmore.

But in recent years, the National Philharmonic has struggled financially. Employees cite sluggish ticket sales and donations during the 2018-19 season, and decreased funding from the Montgomery County Council, as reasons for their struggles.

Montgomery County has given the National Philharmonic more than $2.5 million in the last decade, but has rejected the group's request for an additional $150,000 in the fiscal year 2020 budget.

On July 16, the orchestra said it was closing.

"It is with great sadness that I must report that the National Philharmonic has to shut its doors," National Philharmonic President Leanne Ferfolia said in a media release. "We have been an important and integral part of the community and a service to Montgomery County residents, especially the thousands of young people who were able to attend our concerts with their families for free."

Even as the threat of closure loomed, the orchestra didn't want to go down without a fight.

To save itself, the group launched an online petition called "Save the National Philharmonic."

"We need $150,000 by July 31, 2019," the petition initially read.

Before July 31, the orchestra received hundreds of donations and more than enough money.

In addition to receiving hundreds of donations, National Philharmonic violinist and businessman Jim Kelly has offered to give more than $500,000 in financial assistance, according to Bethesda Beat. But, there's a catch: the orchestra must remove Eskelsen as board chair and appoint Kelly as president.

While the successful fundraiser keeps the National Philharmonic alive for another season, Kelly says the money isn't enough to stabilize the group long-term.

The National Philharmonic is reportedly mulling over the offer. Eskelsen tells the news outlet that he expects a decision by the end of next week.

"We're trying to act in the best interests of National Philharmonic, and we're disappointed about some of the other things that have been said and the way in which Jim conducted his presentation," Eskelsen told the outlet. "There are cooperative ways to do it rather than the way he did, but now we have an obligation to consider it."

SEE ALSO:

• National Philharmonic Closes Its Curtains Due To Financial Woes
• National Philharmonic Fights To Survive, Races To Raise $150K