It
is my pleasure to inform you that the Executive Committee has
voted unanimously to endow a pipe in the restored organ of Severance
Hall. Through sound investment by our Treasurers and a rising
stock market we made a tidy profit on our Magellan account this
year and are able to fund this gift to the Cleveland Orchestra.
This
is a fitting use of funds from the Magellan account, which was
begun with profit the Chapter made from hosting the National
Convention in 1974. I was reminded by Miles Gottschall, long-time
chapter member, of efforts over the years that the AGO has made
to encourage the Cleveland Orchestra to restore the organ. Bob
Schneider remembers questioning Christoph Von Dohnanyi about
his interest in the reinstallation of the organ. Dohnanyi stated
at the time his commitment to the project, a commitment that
he has fulfilled.
We
have selected our pipe and received
a certificate of endowment, which will be presented at the
annual meeting. In the letter of acknowledgment from the orchestra
we are thanked for our gift. The letter states: "As we
work to secure the Orchestra's future for the twenty-first century,
your gift is timely and most welcome. We will apply your gift
to our endowment, which will provide income in perpetuity to
support our great Orchestra."
I know a number of you have endowed your own pipe, which is
wonderful. Members who are unable to do this can now feel a
sense of connection with this great organ. We are working with
the Schantz Organ Company and Severance Hall to arrange an organ
crawl and close-up demonstration of the organ for a member meeting
next winter. Watch for an announcement of the date of this event.
Sincerely,
Fern
Jennings
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