About the Musician Support Initiative
Our musicians need your help. With the suspension of live performances during the COVID-19 pandemic, orchestral musicians are facing extreme financial hardships. Due to the continued need for social distancing, full orchestral concerts will be among the last of the art forms to return to the stage, and without a clear path towards recovery, the futures of orchestral musicians—and the vital contributions they provide to society—are severely threatened.
In response to the pressing needs of our musicians, the American Symphony Orchestra is proud to launch the Musician Support Initiative, to provide ongoing work for our artists through monthly chamber music programs. The concerts will implement best-practice social distancing measures and will take place in non-traditional venues that can accommodate videography and a small live audience, when possible. Selected programs will be recorded and distributed digitally to our global audience.
We are calling on our fans and our community to help us make these programs possible and to bring back live music during this time of uncertainty. 100% of the funds raised through the Musician Support Initiative will directly benefit the musicians of the ASO. Donations of all amounts are greatly appreciated as we work together to meet our goal of raising $100,000 to support our artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and connect: the importance of which has been made emphatically apparent during this global crisis. Throughout history the arts have demonstrated a mighty resilience in the face of adversity. With your support we can affirm this resilience and continue the important work of keeping music alive to bring us together.”
—The ASO Musicians Committee
Snag a Ticket $50
While live audiences must remain small and socially-distanced, ticket income is severely limited. With a $50 donation, you’ll be providing the equivalent of a ticket towards our musicians’ efforts. As a special thanks, you will receive an ASO sticker to proudly show your support.
Music Rental $100
$100 is equivalent to renting sheet music for one of the rare masterpieces our musicians will play on a chamber program. In gratitude for your $100 gift, you will receive a special video message from one of the ASO musicians as well as one of our ASO stickers.
Practice, Practice, Practice $200
It takes hours of dedicated individual practice time for musicians to prepare for a performance. With your support, our artists can continue to learn and interpret repertoire to perform for our audiences. For your gift of $200 or more, you will receive early access to the online streaming of our chamber concerts.
Rehearsal Time $500
Collaborative rehearsals are the heart of the creative process. A gift of $500 will sponsor a rehearsal for a small ensemble as they work together to create a program of new or rarely-performed chamber music. As special thanks for your gift, you will receive early access to our online streaming and a special concert video exclusively available to our donors at the $500 level and above.
Sponsor a Musician $1,000
During this difficult time, we are committed to creating work opportunities for our musicians that provide not only income but also much-needed benefits including healthcare and unemployment insurance. In gratitude for your support, you will have the opportunity to reserve seating at our in-person programs.
Commissioning New Work $5,000
As a part of the Musician Support Initiative, the ASO is commissioning new works for socially-distanced chamber ensemble in response to the turbulent times we are in. For your donation of $5,000 or more, the composer will contact you with a special message and you will receive an advance recording of the work before it is available to the public. You will also receive reserved seats at our live public events.
Sponsor a Concert $10,000
It takes dedicated, compassionate individuals from our community to ensure the continued survival of the arts. With a $10,000 donation you will sponsor an entire chamber music program, allowing audiences to experience live music in a safe, intimate setting. In thanks, the ASO will offer a personalized experience specifically tailored to you.
Thank you for your support!
Gifts of any amount are greatly appreciated and will provide critical funding for the ASO’s musicians.
If you would like to make a donation by check, please send to the address below, payable to:
American Symphony Orchestra
1330 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 23A
New York, NY 10019
In the memo line, indicate Musician Support Initiative.