'SOS Osmo' aims to save MnOrch leader Vanska
A new citizen's group, SOS Osmo, says it's raised pledges of at least $630,000 to help prevent the departure of Minnesota Orchestra Music Director Osmo Vanska.
Vanksa has said he will resign if the ongoing lockout results in the cancellation of two concerts at Carnegie Hall in November.
"What we can do in our campaign is bring forth the people of the community's opinion that excellence is worth striving for and that Osmo Vanska isn't a throwaway, and that brilliant orchestra musicians should be treasured," said Mina Fisher, co-founder of SOS Osmo.
The money won't solve the Orchestra's financial problems, but it's a start, Fisher said.
The money will be given to the Orchestra if its board keeps Vanska, maintains musicians salaries, and launches a new endowment campaign, she said.
Orchestra management says it welcomes the possible gift, but said it needed to learn more about the details of the funds.
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