Santa Rosa Symphony Receives NEA Grant

Award Supports Early Romantics Festival 4-Concert Series

News Release Contact:
Sara Obuchowski, (707) 546-7097 ext 218

December 18, 2006

(SANTA ROSA, CA) – The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced the first round of FY07 awards. The “Access to Artistic Excellence” category included 53 grants to orchestras, totaling $1,430,000, in support of projects such as commissions, residencies, workshops, performances, festivals and professional development for musicians. Santa Rosa Symphony received $10,000 to help underwrite its 4-concert “Early Romantics Festival.” A total of $18,486,750 was invested by the NEA across all arts disciplines.

The Santa Rosa Symphony’s Early Romantics Festival consists of the chamber music of Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Chopin and Liszt, performed at the Jackson Theater in January, February and March, and a festival finale of Symphonie fantastique by Berlioz, performed in April at the Wells Fargo Center. The Festival concerts always include a lecture/conversation about the historical, philosophical and artistic trends that influenced the composers and their music.

For further information about the Symphony’s Early Romantics Festival, made possible by the NEA grant, call 54-MUSIC (707-546-8742).