Fighting for the orchestra

Full credit to the musicians at the Balearic Symphony Orchestra who are fighting a campaign to save their orchestra in the face of sweeping spending cuts. The local authorities want to cut its budget by a massive 25 percent, which many believe will effectively mean the end of the orchestra in its present state. After a series of protest actions across Palma by the musicians they have now produced a video which includes interviews with many leading Spanish musicians who call for the orchestra to be saved. Tomorrow (Friday) the Palma city council, which is one of the co-sponsors of the orchestra, will be holding a meeting in which the reduction in the budget will be discussed. The musicians are planning a protest. Many local services are being cut back at the moment but the musicians at the Balearic Symphony Orchestra deserve praise for not taking the cuts sitting down. They have decided to take action and they have a worthy cause. The Balearic Symphony Orchestra is vital to the Balearics and its concerts are always well attended. It also plays a key role within the Balearic tourist industry. I know money is tight and cuts have to be made but the Balearic Symphony Orchestra should not be facing a funding cut. There are other council departments which could easily be down-sized to save money. The Balearics needs an orchestra. It is a matter of prestige and promotion which can´t be bought at any price.