Prospect of ASO Losing Its Premier Standing

A letter from John Ruff (#101) in response to the ASO Board's patron tour solicitation (below)

Dear Ms. Hardegree –

As a member of the ASO Chorus for 20 years, and patron and subscriber since 1979 (my mother goes back to 1947), I am somewhat baffled you are soliciting this patron tour without so much as a whisper about the ASO lockout and prospects for timely resolution. Surely you do not expect significant positive response in this form.

I understand the financial pressures on the southern art treasure which is the ASO. Unlike many of my ASOC colleagues, I was not offended by Mr. Romanstein’s prescription to us for response to questions on the subject for the simple reason all sides agreed to a media blackout. However, you must know that the appearance by him of a somewhat cavalier attitude and growing ASO bitterness about his perceived solidarity with the WAC Board in opposition to the institution he administers is a real problem.

I do not know the details of the negotiations. We are aware the ASOPA has made a substantial offer in good faith which was met initially with zero flexibility. The WAC Board has a choice: Either A) it can show essential flexibility in the form of modest administrative cuts, perhaps limited to the upper echelon in pay/benefit scale, and emerge not unlike the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (which of course is on much better financial footing but nevertheless limited future pay and health benefits in an instructive recent exercise of give and take); or B) it can bury its ostrich head with one of three likely outcomes: 1) the ASOPA mimics the Detroit Symphony and loses its premier standing, 2) the ASO ceases to exist in any form recognizable to the benefit of all the people of Atlanta and the world, or 3) the ASO and WAC part ways. Option A seems to be the only sensible method of extraction for both sides. How I long for the force that was Robert Shaw.

I have just learned the ASO has caved under option B(1). I hope I am wrong about the probable result. The only impediment now is administrative flexibility.

I realize you are likely “only the messenger” and have copied others with this short plea for the cultural health of the Southeast.

John T. Ruff

Bass 101

Text of email sent to Patrons 9/25/12

Following last season’s tremendous success, the Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra are finalizing details for our second Patron Tour to New York City this upcoming October 25-27, 2012.  This year’s trip celebrates both the Orchestra’s performance at Carnegie Hall and Alliance Theatre’s National Playwriting Competition. 

Our Patron Tour is a unique collaboration between the Alliance Theatre and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and will include exclusive opportunities, incredible speakers and, of course, first class art.  Patrons will enjoy a behind-the-scenes play reading, a performance of Bring It On: The Musical on Broadway, fine dining, as well as the performance by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and a post-concert reception at the renowned Carnegie Hall.

The enclosed flyer outlines our itinerary.  Whether you choose to join us for the full experience or only selected portions, we hope you will take advantage of this special arts offering.  Again this year our tour is priced at $1,250 which includes a $150 patron tour donation. For more information or to reserve your space, please contact Zachary Brown, Director of Volunteer Services and Special Events at (404) 733-4864 or zachary.brown@woodruffcenter.org. Group rate information for lodging at New York City’s Roosevelt Hotel is available upon request. We encourage you to sign up soon as we are already booked at 65% capacity.

As nationally prominent organizations in our respective disciplines, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take those most near and dear to our hearts with us on the road as we celebrate our accomplishments together.  We look forward to seeing you in New York!

Sincerely,

Susan V. Booth

Stanley Romenstein