Mary Scanlan

 

I moved to Grand Rapids from Chicago in 1989 to accept a position teaching piano and music history at Grand Rapids Community College. As a professional musician my decision to move here was influenced by the active cultural life of a city of this size. The Grand Rapids Symphony is at the heart of that cultural scene and is recognized as an outstanding regional orchestra. The orchestra was great when I got here and it has continued to maintain its high standards over the years. While the city of Grand Rapids continues to grow and prosper it is important that the symphony management understand the consequences of offering a performance season that is less than what the concert-going public has come to expect in a thriving city. In addition, attracting and keeping outstanding orchestral performers is greatly impacted when contractual uncertainties begin to influence morale and performance standards. Let us hope that the GRSO board and management recognize this fine orchestra and value its contributions to the city. It would be a shame to jeopardize what is the centerpiece of the cities' cultural offerings."

 

Mary Scanlan