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Andy Buelow -- West Michigan Symphony The Symphony is slowly returning to in-person concerts. Beginning in November in-person programming is planned to return to the Frauenthal. During the last 15 months concerts has been offered online through the Virtual Concert Hall. Successfully pivoted to an online environment for performances and education. Musical Director is Scott Speck who also conducts Chicago Philharmonic, and Joffrey Ballet. He has been in Muskegon since 2004. Musicians in the Symphony are primarily from the Midwest but there are several from many different stats across the country. West Michigan Symphony plays an active roll in music education in the region, many of the programs are cost-free. Frauenthal Center is undergoing a $7 million renovation, the first since 1998. The Symphony also owns The Block which hosts a wide variety of music genres. More than 30 musical events happen each year at the Theater bringing more than 15,000 people to downtown Muskegon. Sixty-four percent of the Symphony's budget is derived from donations, 34% earned from ticket and other sales, and 2% is derived from their endowment. Campaign underway to build endowment fund. Currently up to $1.8 million. There are 8 concerts planned beginning in the new season which starts in November. Twelve shows take place in The Block. Discussions are underway about taking the WMS "on the road" for summer concerts. In the past, summer concerts were offered in Grand Haven, Fremont and White Lake. WMS began in Grand Haven many years ago with performances at Grand Haven High School. |
