Palma.A few months ago, the 70-plus international members of the Balearic Symphony Orchestra were facing the very real prospect of losing their jobs due to vital funding being slashed by the Palma City Council and the Council of Majorca.
A series of free protest concerts followed and the orchestra began to receive the support of thousands of people who wanted to help save the orchestra and then the Balearic government's Minister for Culture and Education Rafael Bosch threw his weight behind the campaign and pledged to do all he could to save the orchestra.
Well, he has. On Friday night, the orchestra members met its committee to discuss how the authorities have responded to their seven point plan and, according to British bass player Philip Dawson, they've agreed to about 60 percent and the government's thrown in another 500'000 euros. So, we're certainly safe until the end of the year and Bosch has even got plans for us over the next few years. Some private investors are also coming in to help.
So, the future looks much brighter than a few weeks ago, Dawson said yesterday. It looks like the orchestra's new home will become the Teatro Principal with Bosch then wanting to move it to the new conference centre which is being built on the sea front once completed next year.
It's a relief for us all and we're planning another series of free concerts to thank the thousands who have supported us, Dawson added.
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