March1, 2009

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra to Join Orchestras Feeding America to Benefit Food Resources, Inc.

National Food Drive Inspired by the Upcoming Film The Soloist

Audiences and Community Members Invited to Drop off Food
March 16 through March 22

Hagerstown, MD—The League of American Orchestras has announced that the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is participating in Orchestras Feeding America by joining forces with nearly 300 orchestras from all 50 states in a national food drive that will take place during the month of March.

Inspired by the upcoming film The Soloist, orchestras will collect and donate food to their local food assistance agency or food bank.  Food Resources, Inc. will be the beneficiary of the MSO’s drive.

The MSO’s Executive Director Andrew Kipe commented, “The story of The Soloist reminds us that classical music has the power to sustain spirits and change lives, even under the most difficult circumstances.  This team effort gives orchestras all over the United States a way to use that power to make an even greater difference in our communities—to feed both body and soul.”

RuthAnne Callaham, executive director of Food Resources, says, “We are thrilled that the MSO is joining us in our fight against hunger in the quad-state region.  This partnership will help the hungry or people who are at risk of hunger during this very difficult time.” 

One in eight Americans is at risk of hunger.  According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are 36 million people at risk of hunger in the United States, 12 million of which are children.  A December 2008 survey of 160 food banks nationwide indicates that there was a 30 percent increase in demand for emergency food assistance compared to one year ago. 

Patricia Enders, honorary MSO board member and a long-time member of the MSO Guild, is serving as chairwoman of the drive.  “We are all feeling the effects of this economic crisis, but we cannot let that stop us from helping our neighbors in greater need.  Our orchestra’s music uplifts people, but with this project we can do more to support the community that has supported us for so long. I am very proud that both MSO staff members and musicians are participating in this national endeavor.  Giving back to the community is always the right thing to do.”

The MSO’s Food Drive will be in two parts.  From Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., donations may be dropped off at the MSO office at 30 West Washington Street in downtown Hagerstown.  For every ten items donated, the donor will receive one free ticket to either the Saturday, March 21 or Sunday, March 22 performance of the Masterworks IV concert featuring the critically acclaimed pianist, Chu-Fan Huang. 

The second opportunity to donate will be on Saturday, March 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or Sunday, March 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the courtyard of the Maryland Theatre at 21 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown. For every ten items donated, weekend donors will receive a coupon worth 20% off the price of a single ticket for the Masterworks V concerts, A Symphonic Space Odyssey, on Saturday, April 25 or Sunday, April 26. 

Most needed food includes dry soups, rice, powdered/canned milk, macaroni & cheese, beans, canned fruits & vegetables, tuna, canned meats, pasta, cereal and fruit juices.  We will be unable to accept items in glass jars or bottles, unlabeled or dented cans, perishable foods, homemade foods, expired products, monetary donations or clothing and other non-food items.

The Soloist, starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr., will be released to theaters nationwide on April 24.  The film is based on the true story of the relationship between Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez and Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a gifted Juilliard-trained string player whose mental illness landed him among the homeless on the streets of Los Angeles.  Featuring the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Soloist is a testament to the redemptive power of music and a reminder of our connections to the most vulnerable among us. 

Chartered by Congress in 1962, the League of American Orchestras leads, encourages and supports American orchestras while communicating to the public the value and importance of orchestras and the music they perform.  Membership includes nearly 1,000 professional, volunteer and youth orchestras. 

Food Resources, Inc. operates out of a 12,000 square warehouse and since 1987 has served as a regional non-profit warehouse from which other charitable organizations can obtain food and other items for their feeding programs.  FRI currently has 75 member agencies in Washington and Frederick Counties in Maryland and Franklin and Fulton Counties in Pennsylvania.  They distribute approximately 1.4 million pounds of food, touching the lives of 1,000 families and over 3,500 individuals each month.

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is the area’s premier professional orchestra, dedicated to providing musical performances that educate and entertain, while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region. 

The MSO is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.  An agency of the Department of Business and Economic Development, the MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities. 

For more information, visit www.marylandsymphony.org or phone 301-797-4000.