Gloves off.

I sent the following letter today in support of the players. After writing and discarding multiple drafts containing a wide spectrum of emotional content and various teeth-gnashing paragraphs, I decided to can it all and cut to the chase: I'm mad, a lot of people are mad, and everybody SHOULD be mad.

Esteemed members of the ASO and WAC Boards:

I am a proud member of the ASO Chorus.  It is with a growing sense of dread that I follow the story of the ongoing ASO lockout.

By continuing to adhere to your current position, you are damaging not only the legacy of Robert Shaw, whose work endures to influence generations of musicians, teachers and students around the world, but the cultural future of Atlanta and the entire region.

Symphonic music educates, uplifts and inspires. No doubt this is something you also believe, in which case consider this to be preaching FROM the choir: artistic excellence and a strong bottom line are not mutually exclusive concepts. I think everyone is aware and understands the difficulties of the current economy. If belt-tightening must be done, so be it, but not at the ultimate expense of the players. You are responsible for the financial health of the organization; the functions of the orchestra are to perform to a world class standard and to represent the city with professionalism and artistry. Based on their reputation across the globe, they’ve more than met that obligation.

The musicians’ offer of a considerable reduction in pay is evidence of their willingness to sacrifice for the overall good of the business.  For this sacrifice to be answered with a slamming door is nothing short of shameful.

I implore you to reconsider the generosity extended to you by the family of musicians whom you, as board members and patrons of the arts, have been called to serve.

Sincerely,

Allison Lowe Huff