Updated 5/13/2020
Dear BMSO season ticket holders and patrons:
The musicians, staff and board of directors of the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra find great joy in bringing music to life in our community. While it was heartbreaking to cut our season short, community is at the core of who we are and the health and safety of our community is undoubtedly the most important concern for us right now.
Even amidst the shelter in place orders, cancellations and postponements, the BMSO is working in some exciting, innovative ways to bring music to our community.
• We are currently making plans for our 2020/2021 season, full of powerful music, inspiring artists, and a wonderful balance of new and familiar.
• BMSO music director, Dr. Beverly Everett and BMSO Principal Oboist Tonya Mertz have been creating music videos posted on social media and we will work to make those available to you as well. If you are on Facebook, like the BMSO if you haven’t already to see them.
• We are also planning a live performance sometime this summer for our patrons and the community as safety allows. Watch for details!
• Dr. Everett is also working on a “cyber orchestra” experience - watch our Facebook page and website for those details.
• We will be using the BMSO Facebook page to feature BMSO musicians. Many are making beautiful music in their homes and sharing with the world!
Please keep an eye on your email, and check the BMSO website at
http://www.bismarckmandansymphony.org or follow the BMSO on Facebook for more information about these events and more. If you are receiving this as a paper letter through the mail, it is because we do not have a good email address for you. If this is the case, please take a moment to email Mike at bmso@midconetwork.com to be added to our email list. We promise there will be very few emails.
As we look to our future during these uncertain times, your health and safety will remain paramount as we explore ways to move forward healthfully once we can have large public gatherings again.
During this difficult time, we are fortunate to rely on the support of our season ticket holders, donors, and friends. The loss of revenue resulting from postponing/cancelling our April concert, our Chakras and Chardonnay fundraiser, and the uncertainty of July 4th will have a profound impact on our work and our mission. We also expect fundraising to be especially difficult during this offseason.
With regards to the April 18 concert, we will exchange any ticket to the concert for a voucher good for any concert next season, please contact Mike at the office to make arrangements. Alternatively, it would be enormously helpful if you would instead allow us to convert your ticket cost from our April concert to a donation to the BMSO if you are able to do so. If neither of these options works for you, you can contact Mike to make other arrangements. Email is easiest, since our office has very limited hours, but if you leave a voice mail Mike will get back to you.
The financial impact of the current situation will undoubtedly impact the Symphony well into the future. If you are interested in making an additional donation to support the BMSO and ensure we are here to make music when this crisis passes, please click here:
www.bismarckmandansymphony.org/support It is worth mentioning that the CARES Act recently passed in response to the current environment allows for qualified contributions to non-profits, such as the BMSO, up to $300 will be deductible for 2020, even if you do not itemize. Coincidentally, membership in the Conductors Club for the 2020-2021 season is $250. Consult your tax advisor for more information. If you are interested in a musician or concert sponsorship, please contact Mike.
The theme for next season is “Trail Blazers and Trend Setters.” Thank you for all you do to help us blaze those trails of music through Western North Dakota. We will always rise to the occasion to give the best to our community and especially now when we need the power of music more than ever.
We look forward to the time the Bismarck Mandan Symphony Orchestra can again perform for you in person.
Sincerely,
The BMSO Board of Directors