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DPO announces cuts for the 2009-2010 season
On Friday, May 29 the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra announced a number of staff reductions and salary adjustments to “ensure the financial stability” of its 2009-2010 fiscal year which began Monday, June 1.
“There are a number of challenges non-profits are facing in this economic climate,” said DPO president Paul Helfrich. “With the economy the way it is we don’t want to plan for a deficit budget. These were very difficult decisions. But the most important thing is to keep the music playing and keep the orchestra on sound financial footing.”
The DPO eliminated three full-time positions as of June 1. Two were eliminated from the marketing department and one from development . In addition, Music Director Neal Gittleman, Helfrich, and five staff department heads will take a ten percent salary reduction. The salaries for the remaining administrative staff will be reduced three percent.
The cuts also affect members of the orchestra. They voted to forego the 5.5 percent raise that was guaranteed them by their collective bargaining agreement for the 2009-2010 season. Their pay will be frozen at 2008-2009 levels.
DPO’s director of marketing and public relations, David Bukvic, said the changes will not affect the artistic quality of the orchestra.
“We are dealing with a delicate organism here,” Bukvic said. “There are certain areas that need to be fine-tuned for these reductions not to affect the quality of the music. Logistics and innovation will get us through this.”
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