Monday, November 23, 2009
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Honolulu Symphony board works on financial fix for group
By Star-Bulletin staff
POSTED: 09:14 a.m. HST, Nov 03, 2009
The chairman of the Honolulu Symphony is expecting to make an announcement on the organization's future this week, but refused to comment on reports of an impending bankruptcy filing.
Several television news stations reported last night that the financially struggling symphony was about to file for reorganization bankruptcy.
Peter Shaindlin, the symphony's board chairman, told the Star-Bulletin last night that "we are meeting trying to get ourselves organized." When asked about a possible bankruptcy filing, he said, "there has been no such filing."
"We will put out an update this week. To comment tonight is premature. I'm hoping in the next day or two I can."
The board met Friday, while he and executive director Majken Mechling met yesterday afternoon.
"There have been some good things happening," Shaindlin said, mentioning an $1.8 million advance from the Honolulu Symphony Foundation announced in September.
The symphony also cut the current season from 34 weeks to 29 weeks which saves $500,000.
The orchestra members of Musicians Association of Hawaii Local 677, agreed to the change in their contract which is, in effect, a 15 percent salary reduction for the 64 full-time musicians, according to union spokesman and symphony musician Steve Dinion.
"It's barely two months since we gave up a half-million dollars in give-backs and concessions which we were told would fix things and save the symphony," Dinion said. "They said we need to show the community we are being responsible."
In early September, the musicians were paid 11 weeks back pay from the last season which ended in May.
Dinion said last night that the orchestra musicians have not been notified of a possible bankruptcy filing. "I would hope they would have the decency and courtesy to inform the musicians before it is announced publicly."
Dinion said the board did not notify the orchestra directly about postponing a master works concert this weekend. They sent out a press release and e-mails to symphony members and the musicians union.
The chairman of the Honolulu Symphony is expecting to make an announcement on the organization's future this week, but refused to comment on reports of an impending bankruptcy filing.
Several television news stations reported last night that the financially struggling symphony was about to file for reorganization bankruptcy.
Peter Shaindlin, the symphony's board chairman, told the Star-Bulletin last night that "we are meeting trying to get ourselves organized." When asked about a possible bankruptcy filing, he said, "there has been no such filing."
"We will put out an update this week. To comment tonight is premature. I'm hoping in the next day or two I can."
The board met Friday, while he and executive director Majken Mechling met yesterday afternoon.
"There have been some good things happening," Shaindlin said, mentioning an $1.8 million advance from the Honolulu Symphony Foundation announced in September.
The symphony also cut the current season from 34 weeks to 29 weeks which saves $500,000.
The orchestra members of Musicians Association of Hawaii Local 677, agreed to the change in their contract which is, in effect, a 15 percent salary reduction for the 64 full-time musicians, according to union spokesman and symphony musician Steve Dinion.
"It's barely two months since we gave up a half-million dollars in give-backs and concessions which we were told would fix things and save the symphony," Dinion said. "They said we need to show the community we are being responsible."
In early September, the musicians were paid 11 weeks back pay from the last season which ended in May.
Dinion said last night that the orchestra musicians have not been notified of a possible bankruptcy filing. "I would hope they would have the decency and courtesy to inform the musicians before it is announced publicly."
Dinion said the board did not notify the orchestra directly about postponing a master works concert this weekend. They sent out a press release and e-mails to symphony members and the musicians union.
Today’s Edition
- Troubled bridges over island waters
- Man shot in police encounter
- 70 U.S. Army reservists receive warrior citizen awards
- Family raises $66,000 for son's liver surgery
- Ocean Watch: A love of fish catches new friends, families
- Island Images
- Newswatch
- Police and Fire
- Trader with a taste for risk fishes for tuna from a kayak
- Deal will turn a hospital private, with goal of efficiency
- Readers asked to share holiday horrors
- Easing holiday stress
- It's About Time: An annual reality check can help you reorganize
- Da Kine
- Pet Ohana
- Got nutrients?
- Wahine dominate All-WAC honors
- Hawaii starts defense of its WAC tourney title tomorrow
- Crucial homestand for chance at bowl
- Five big plays from Hawaii's 17-10 victory
- Further Review: Streak means nothing with 8-3 Navy heading in
- Garcia advances at Reef Hawaiian Pro
- Hawaii Beat
- Scoreboard
- Television & Radio
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