November 28, 2006
Washington County Board of County Commissioners awards The Maryland Symphony Orchestra $20,000 for 2007 Salute to Independence

HAGERSTOWN, MD - - The Washington County Board of County Commissioners has awarded $20,000 to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra for the July 7, 2007 Salute to Independence at the Antietam National Battlefield. The request for funding was presented jointly by The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. The Commissioners unanimously approved the request, which will be funded through the County’s lodging tax.

"The Salute to Independence is a huge event...arguably the single largest tourism event attracting out of town people to Washington County,” said CVB President and CEO Tom Riford, who testified on behalf of the request. “With more than 35,000 attendees frequently enjoying what's been called 'Maryland's Most Patriotic Event,' the Salute helps publicize Antietam, the MSO, and Washington County, and is a wonderful celebration of America. I am very pleased that the County Commissioners stood behind an event that generates upwards of $500,000 of local economic impact for Washington County, creates positive renown for our community throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region, and provides a stirring example of what's good and positive about Washington County, Maryland, and the United States of America."

Brendan Fitzsimmons, President of the MSO Board of Directors, reported that the costs of producing the concert have grown nearly 20% over the past four years, while income has increased only 12%. The MSO Board and staff secure approximately $70,000 in funding, but expenses exceed $150,000 annually.
Antietam National Battlefield spends an additional $41,000 in direct and in-kind costs each year. Fitzsimmons stated that the MSO is committed to continuing the annual patriotic event, but without additional funding the future of the concert would be in jeopardy.

The 2007 “Salute to Independence” will be held on Saturday, July 7; the MSO performance begins at 7:30 p.m. 2007 marks the 22nd year for the annual free event.

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Elizabeth Schulze, is currently celebrating its twenty-fifth season as the area’s premiere professional orchestra, dedicated to providing musical performances and programs that educate and entertain while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the Quad-state region.