Editorial : University must concentrate efforts to save Syracuse music culture
Efforts to create the Syracuse Philharmonic failed early last week. The effort was, at first, supported and backed by members of the Syracuse University administration.
A six-member board disintegrated between mid-December and last week, citing philosophical and strategic differences. One member of the board was Ann Clarke, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at SU. The university is now planning to back a different effort to form a symphony led by a former board member of the Syracuse Philharmonic.
Last March, the 50-year-old Syracuse Symphony Orchestra declared bankruptcy. After the SSO folded, it was unclear what would happen to those employed by the SSO and to those interested in orchestral music. The Symphony Syracuse emerged.
Members of the Symphony Syracuse have been critical of the plans to create the Syracuse Philharmonic because musicians were not included in planning.
Administrators in VPA are trying to help the floundering music culture, as the formation of a symphony is inherently in the interests of the college. The Center for Live Music in the 21st Century, formed by the Setnor School of Music in VPA, works with organizations to help develop business strategies for arts programs. The Philharmonic was a client. Symphony Syracuse interacts with the university, too, as it has borrowed sheet music from the university’s collection.
But it is disheartening to see the city and university struggle to create a cohesive and thriving music culture. Having better arts programs and opportunities in the city makes the city a better place for people to live and learn. It brings more prestige to a university with a music program, too.
Potential students interested in the arts will be more likely to attend SU if there is a strong association between the school and the city music centers. Current VPA students, or any SU students, can enhance their studies by interacting with orchestra members and enthusiasts.
It is unclear what will happen with the new plan for a symphony in Syracuse, but VPA and SU need to be involved in the planning, using their vast resources and knowledge to better the community.
