Annual Report 2006 - Detroit Symphony Orchestra

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN’S REPORTIt is with sincere appreciation that I acknowledge the continuing support of our generousdonors and volunteers. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra was able to raise in the 2005-06season $12.8 million in financial support for the organization’s programs and activities. Thanksto all for your commitment to this vital cultural institution.The foundation for last year’s fundraising success was a $1 million Leadership ChallengeGrant made by Board Chairman Jim Nicholson and his wife Ann along with my wife Julie andmyself. Our desire was that the Challenge leverage additional support, especially new andincreased gifts. By all measures, our campaign was a success, helping us balance our budgetfor the third straight year while broadening our base of support in anticipation of a newEndowment CampaignWe continue to find new friends in the corporate and foundation community. Notableadditions to our roster are the American Express Performing Arts Fund, Starbucks Coffee,MetLife Foundation, the Surdna Foundation, and the Kurt Weill Foundation. In addition, weare grateful to Target and Lexus for title sponsorship of summer events at the Metroparksand Meadow Brook Music Festival, respectively. I would also like to thank the CommunityFoundation, Mel Lester, and the Individual Giving Cabinet.We are energized and excited about the future. Building on the achievements of last year,we remain focused on a strong annual fund to maintain a world-class orchestra, and also onstructuring new campaigns to ensure funding for generations to come. We value highly yourparticipation in our endeavors and I look forward to seeing many of you at concerts and toworking together to strengthen the DSO and to broaden its reach within our community.Sincerely,“As a native Detroiter,it’s exciting to feel therenewed energy in ourneighborhood – fromthe new retail andhousing developments,to the Detroit School of Arts, to The Max. The DSOcontinues to make a remarkableimpact on our city, and our steadfastcommitment to communityengagement and participation makesthis such a rewarding place to work!”—Anne Wilczak, Director ofSpecial Events, DSO“My husband and I aregreat fans of the DSO. Wehave always loved classicalmusic and, actually, goodmusic of most types. We’vebecome hopeful now thatour Symphony is fulfillingits promised role in ourregion and in the nation.”—Lillian Bauder, Chairand President ofMASCO CorporationFoundationPeter D. CummingsChariman Emeritus and Vice Chairman, DevelopmentLee and Floy Barthel2005-06High NotesSeptember-October – Performances at The Max promoteand collect funds for Habitat for Humanity’s “Operation HomeDelivery,” a long-term rebuilding plan for families victimizedby Hurricane Katrina. This project coincides with a doublebill by New Orleans natives Harry Connick Jr. and BranfordMarsalis in The Music Box.September 27 – The DSO’s historic presence on Americanradio dials continues through the support of General Motors.The 26 week series produced by the DSO and hosted byCharles Greenwell airs on syndicated traditional (terrestrial)radio stations nationwide (locally on WDET-FM 101.9 Sundaysat 5 p.m.).September 30 – October 1 – Marshall Field’s “Day of Music”offers 24 hours of free live music with the musical theme“Detroit Rock City,” reflecting the city’s impressive musicalheritage. The DSO performs “Hell’s Angels,” a provocativebassoon concerto by former composer-in-residence, MichaelDaugherty.October 2 — The DSO is the first symphony orchestra todebut a radio broadcast series on satellite radio, producedby XM Satellite Radio and available in fifty GM vehiclemodels. Hosted by Martin Goldsmith, a season of 26programs airs on Sundays at 3 p.m.Maggie Allesee, Hon. Judge Damon J.Keith and Bob Allesee15