Super-Generous Donation Preserves Future Of London Symphony Orchestra | Alternative Fruit

The Covid pandemic has been brutal for many entertainment venues and providers. With live shows banned in most countries and rehearsals also out of the question without some kind of social bubble, the future of live performance is in the balance. Government support of course has been vital for individuals and institutions alike however it's only been enough to keep heads above water. Life preservers can stop you from drowning but you need a lifeboat to pull you to shore. That's where the considerate and caring public make themselves invaluable.


Sir Simon Rattle, leader of the London Symphony Orchestra, has been blessed with a huge donation worth £1.5m. This phenomenal amount of cash is set to enable the world-renowned classical music institution to rebuild for the future. Paying the bills and funding the artists has been impossible with doors closed and selective 80% grants when bills have remained at 100%. The Arts Recovery Fund set up by the government has provided just over £800k, which has meant the total support reaches over £2m.


It was feared that the London Symphonic would have to close its doors for good after the recent recession in their balance. This super-helpful injection of cash is like a shot-in-the-arm for the orchestra and its administration. A target of £5m has been planned for next summer, meaning that in order to fully ensure the long-term future of the LSO they still need at least another £2.5m.


Just like Alternative Fruit, relying on generosity to provide the world with art and entertainment is nothing new. Many arts and media creators are finding the bite of Covid times hard to manage. It shows the best of humanity when the benefits of culture are protected by munificence and care.


Via The Press and Journal
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