Hirokami threatens to leave if orchestra reduced

Checking in on the dire situation in Columbus, Adaptistration is reporting that music director Junichi Hirokami is opposed to downsizing the Columbus Symphony Orchestra as part of a restructuring plan. (Take a look at some of the links to stories about the crisis, as well as the musicians Web site.)

The blame is being placed on board members for failing to raise money or community support (see the post below this, as well, for a brief summary.)

"Any downsizing of the orchestra would be "catastrophic," Junichi Hirokami said. "If the orchestra is reduced, I have no purpose to stay here."

Cincinnati has a large pool of excellent freelance musicians, and Columbus employs about 10 local musicians on a regular basis. Many of them, you'll also hear locally in the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Kentucky Symphony, Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic, subbing in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and elsewhere around the region.

Cincinnati cellist Tom Guth writes, "I've played up in Columbus for 10 years, and have noticed the change in crowds, attitude, reduction of players. ... I kind of felt they were already down to a minimum of players and would have to cut weeks -- not weeks and core players."

Violinist Manami White says "It's quite shocking, appalling and demoralizing that this is happening. I am quite sure that if they cut the number of full-time players stated, that there will be no work for us, the commuting musicians.

"What will the public do when there are no more arts organizations around? Will they miss it?" she asks.