Back the Symphony

Regarding the cancellation of the San Diego Symphony season: Like thousands of San Diego enthusiasts, I am disappointed.

Certainly the musicians are extremely talented--even brilliant under David Atherton’s baton. They deserve appropriate compensation.

But if the money is not now available, and continuing the season would only mount the large deficit, what is the answer? Who can realistically dispute that it is fiscal responsibility time? The figures are factual.

May I suggest to the musicians, the San Diego concertgoers and the supporting corporations: Let’s not despair or desert the cause! Most cities, all of us know, suffer the same problem unless there is a specific, fertile endowment.

Isn’t there some ray of light ahead that the symphony could raise more revenue in the future? Two potential new income channels are rentals from the handsome Symphony Hall and a broader-based winter musical menu--certain special concerts of lighter fare a la the Summer Pops. This latter merchandising strategy is planned.

It would be unfortunate indeed to lose Atherton, who has brought definite high quality to the San Diego orchestra.

Let’s have patience and persevere now for ourselves and for future San Diego men and women who also deserve a fine musical dimension to their lives.

ROSE MARY DALLMAN

Coronado