Springfield Symphony Orchestra Launches Musicians’ Relief Fund
Springfield, MA – In light of the current Covid-19 pandemic, and the resulting cancellation of the balance of the Symphony’s 2019-2020 season, Executive Director Susan Beaudry and Music Director Kevin Rhodes announce the launch of the SSO Musicians’ Relief Fund. The initiative provides a simple, direct way for the SSO and its patrons, friends, and the greater Springfield Community to support the Springfield Symphony Orchestra musicians whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by this unprecedented crisis.
All monies received towards the fund will go directly to contracted SSO Musicians on an as-needed basis. Musicians who feel they are less in need than some of their colleagues will have the option to opt out.
“Like many nonprofits, we’ve been decoding the pandemic-related messages from local, state and federal sources, and are doing our best to understand the options available to us,” said Ms. Beaudry. “But as the SSO musicians are near and dear to our hearts and are the driving force behind our mission as an organization, the Musicians’ Relief Fund is one tangible, immediate way to ensure that when we are all ready to make music again, the wonderful musicians of the SSO are ready as well.”
Maestro Rhodes commented: “Among the hardest hit in this very necessary shut down of society are freelance musicians. Many people don’t understand that the SSO musicians are the best freelancers from all around the northeast and put together their incomes from a variety of sources, none of which are currently in operation. These amazing musicians do what they do for the love of music and the love of playing for folks who appreciate what they do. This fund will help these incredible artists put food on the table, pay mortgages and rent, and do all the other day to day things it takes money to accomplish.”
To learn more about the Musicians’ Relief Fund and donate, visit the Symphony’s website at
springfieldsymphony.org/mrf. Along with the donation form, the page features a video from Principal Trumpet Thomas Bergeron and a special message from Maestro Rhodes. About the Springfield Symphony Orchestra
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra has been part of the cultural landscape of the Pioneer Valley since 1944 and performs a series of classical and popular music concerts at Springfield Symphony Hall. For more information, visit SpringfieldSymphony.org.