SHORT TAKES : Mitch Miller Endows Theater

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Conductor Mitch Miller donated $25,000 so that a theater in his former hometown could hire more musicians.

Miller said he was impressed by the way the GeVa Theatre’s orchestra was run.

“I’ve been to some of their productions, and I’ve liked what I’ve seen,” he said Wednesday from his New York City office. “They use their money very well. I just thought I’d help them out.”

“We are just absolutely delighted!” Barbara Reifler, the GeVa Theatre’s development director, said of the Christmas gift.

GeVa will use the interest on the endowment, about $2,000 a year, to pay musicians, Reifler said.