SCP awarded grant by S.C. Arts Commission

May 31, 2009

COLUMBIA, SC – May 30, 3009 –  The South Carolina Philharmonic has been awarded an $18,940.00 grant by the South Carolina Arts Commission for the 2008/2009 season.

The support will allow the orchestra to provide direct support for musicians and staff and enable the SCP to produce the best classical music in the Midlands.

“Funding from the S.C. Arts Commission is allowing the SCP to undertake several new initiatives that we hope will broaden our audience base. Already we’ve seen ticket sales go up 20 percent and we’re excited about our prospects for the future,” said SCP Executive Director Rhonda Hunsinger. 

Local residents can see how the Arts Commission grant and local funds benefit the SCP by visiting www.SCPhilharmonic.com to preview the upcoming 2009/2010 “Morihiko 2.0” season, which includes seven concerts in the Masterworks Series and the exciting holiday concert “Jingle All the Way,” which brings 2009 Grammy Award winners Béla Fleck and The Flecktones to Columbia on Tuesday, Dec. 1 to play holiday favorites with and without the orchestra.

About SCAC: The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission is working to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina and by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call 803. 734.8696.

About the South Carolina Philharmonic: An independent 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, the South Carolina Philharmonic has performed and promoted high-quality, professional symphonic music for 45 years, serving the community’s needs for cultural development and education, entertainment and tourism. The introduction of Music Director Morihiko Nakahara in 2008/2009 ushered in a New Era of Artistic Excellence that is allowing the orchestra to move forward and become the Midlands pre-eminent performing arts group.