Musicians Stand by Victor Vener and Cal Phil

Maestro Victor Vener played to sold out performances at Santa Anita and Walt Disney Hall this past summer. -Photo by Terry Miller

Despite a letter of complaint by unknown persons sent to The Los Angeles Times last week regarding late payments for services rendered last summer, California Philharmonic is making arrangements with all musicians and vendors to settle accounts and/or make payment arrangements.
The unknown musicians, who initially contacted the Times in a group letter, said that “every dollar and gig counts.” Cal Phil said, in response, “the orchestra said it has met with the union and that together, amicably they put a payment plan in place.”
The California Philharmonic is an institution in Southern California and has played a vital role in the local economy for 18 years. Over almost two decades, more than 650,000 people have attended Cal Phil concerts in Arcadia and contributed about $30 million to the economy of Los Angeles County from its multiple venues. Cal Phil is a non-profit charitable organization that heavily relies on local support.
However, according to Maestro Victor Vener, 75% of their annual budget comes from ticket sales. Something unheard of, in a non-profit orchestra. Most other organizations similar to Cal Phil work with 35-50%.
While Cal Phil is experiencing some temporary financial hardships, as are many non-profits. After 16 years at the Arboretum, Cal Phil was forced to move to a new venue last summer, and was required to make substantial investments to facilitate the exciting albeit expensive transition to the Santa Anita Race Track.
Like anyone else, this put a strain on Cal Phil’s budget and finances. However, Cal Phil, its extraordinary musicians and its valued vendors are working together to make sure payments will be made.
California Philharmonic Orchestra Committee Chair, Francisco Castillo publicly proclaims the orchestra’s position on the issue which clearly is different from that suggested to the Los Angeles Times by some unidentified individuals:
“We, the musicians of the California Philharmonic support our orchestra.It is very important to all of us, the community and the Los Angeles music family to see that the California Philharmonic succeeds and to be able to return to be a stellar organization in Southern California for many years to come.We are hoping that the economy turns around and that the Cal Phil will continue to do everything possible to follow through with their commitment to the musicians, the community and all our supporters. At this time, the Cal Phil management is working with Local 47, the Orchestra Committee and the Musicians Union funds, to become current with all the late payments due to the musicians. Cal Phil is also working with all our incredible and understanding vendors to bring a positive solution to the economic problems of the organization.In the organization’s defense, Cal Phil has been making payments to the musicians and others as funds have become available.
We feel positive that this is just a temporary setback. We feel, after seeing the tremendous support from the community that attended our concerts at the Santa Anita Race Track and at Disney Hall this last summer, which the future is going to be good.
We just have to give it a chance to grow and we stand behind our orchestra.”
In an interview with Maestro Victor Vener on Tuesday, Beacon Media learned that a financial growing pain of moving to a new venue is merely a temporary issue. “Cal Phil is here to stay,” Vener said. He added that he and the orchestra’s musicians are committed to providing the community of Arcadia and greater Pasadena world class music. Vener also reiterrated his commitment to the musicians and all connected to the extended family that is Cal Phil. Vener assured Beacon that the musicians will be paid.
Since the ticket sales to Cal Phil are a primary source of revenue, obviously contributions are greatly needed and appreciated, especially during this difficult economy for Cal Phil and other non-profit organizations. If you would like to donate, contact: www.calphil.org All donations are tax deducatable.

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