Letters: Rolling Stone guy vows to help the Philadelphia Orchestra
THE Philadelphia Orchestra bankruptcy filing is a sad and all-too-familiar refrain in these troubled times. Along with the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Boathouse Row, the orchestra is one of our city icons and, in many ways, our greatest international ambassador. I'm more inclined to listen to the Rolling Stones than to Beethoven, but as a proud Philadelphian and labor leader, I feel a responsibility to play my part to help save this venerable institution and stand up for the union musicians.
THE Philadelphia Orchestra bankruptcy filing is a sad and all-too-familiar refrain in these troubled times. Along with the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Boathouse Row, the orchestra is one of our city icons and, in many ways, our greatest international ambassador. I'm more inclined to listen to the Rolling Stones than to Beethoven, but as a proud Philadelphian and labor leader, I feel a responsibility to play my part to help save this venerable institution and stand up for the union musicians.
Part of the problem is that we aren't doing enough to cultivate the next generation of classical-music lovers. The school district needs to do more to introduce children at a young age to the majesty of the Philadelphia Orchestra. And business leaders need to step up to the podium.
To that end, I will be recommending to our IBEW Local Union 98 members that we donate $1 for every hour worked in the city to an Arts & Culture Fund that will support the orchestra, the Art Museum, the Mummers and more. It's the least we can do in these tough times when there is little money available for our arts and cultural attractions.
John J. Dougherty, business manager
IBEW Local 98, Philadelphia