John Ruff Sent a Letter ... Send Yours Today

An exchange between ASOC member John Ruff and the ASO Office of Development.

  

First the reply:

Jessica –

It is time for Dr. Romanstein to move on. 

Your patron support, including mine, will blow up this year unless either the contract is renewed very soon on terms acceptable to the Symphony musicians or Stanley is deposed. 

He has been a good paper boy for the Board but has not nurtured the Orchestra. The current management proposal has been offered in breach of promises made two years ago. Apart from the proposed meager pay increases and the increase in insurance contribution which produces a net reduction in pay, the current management contract proposal would give the Board complete discretion over future health and other employee benefits and the size of the Orchestra complement. The musicians will never agree to that. 

I had assumed Dr. Romanstein had been hired to help transition the non-profit Orchestra to a more financially sustainable path by a combination of pay cuts and enhanced fundraising. He performed magnificently in gutting the Orchestra but has failed to reach adequate plans or performance on the latter milestone. He has embarked on a reprise of his efforts two years ago without apology and has simply outstayed his utility. 

I was astonished at ASOC rehearsal earlier this evening he neither attended nor sent a surrogate to at least explain what is contemplated for this final week the Orchestra is on vacation.  I could not disagree more strongly that now is the time to donate, although it is undoubtedly true a major gift would paper over the management issues directly contributing to the perceived financial distress at present. Blind hope is not very efficacious. Get back to me next month.

John T. Ruff

... In response to this from Jessica Langlois, ASO Office of Development

Dear Members of the Patron Partnership,

As valued members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra family – our advocates, patrons and friends – I wanted to write with a brief update on the ongoing negotiations with our ASO musicians.

While we are disappointed that the contract between the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players Association expired over the weekend, we are hopeful that negotiations will continue and a resolution will be reached quickly. Like you, we miss the rituals of the season and the beauty, music and magic our players provide week after week.

Please know that your enduring passion for the music means so much to everyone involved. The ASO needs your championship now more than ever, so we can demonstrate the vitality of our donor community and the faith they have in the Orchestra’s value to Atlanta.

If I can answer any questions, please do not hesitate to write or call. The ASO website also has a page devoted to Q&A regarding the ongoing talks: http://www.atlantasymphony.org/en/2014musiciantalks.aspx.

I cannot express my gratitude enough for your generosity, your devotion and your best wishes for our 70th season of music making. On behalf of everyone involved, I thank you.

Sincere regards,

Jessica Langlois

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