Masterworks Chorale scrambles to raise $35K

The Masterworks Chorale has seen its budget drop from $210,000 to $170,000 over the last three years. Fundraising by the organization accounts for $85,000 annually. When the San Mateo County Community College District decided to cut $6 million from its budget next year, ancillary programs were warned to become self-sufficient or not be offered. For Masterworks Chorale, the magic number is $35,000 which the group hopes to raise by the middle of June.

Cash flow is the biggest issue, Executive Director Kevin Stacy explained. Most nonprofits are accustomed to having money come in at certain times. Support from the college district traditionally came in the summer. Stacy noted the fundraising effort could be spread over the year, but there is an immediate need to keep things moving smoothly financially.

"We’re trying to come up with a mutually beneficial solution,” he said.

The Masterworks Chorale, which performs masterworks of sacred and secular choral literature from the Baroque period through today, was founded in 1964. Each season, the group performs three to four pairs of concerts featuring instrumental ensembles comprised of local musicians.

Many of the singers have participated for over two years, making them "life-long learners,” or students at the college who are not aiming for academic or work gain.

The group faces an immediate $35,000 loss, Terri Homer, chair of the Board of Directors wrote in an April 30 letter soliciting support.

"If we cannot raise this amount by the middle of June, we face the possibility of drastic cuts to our staff (already bare bones) and a much-reduced season next year. And without additional support, we may even face the loss of our artistic director at some point in the near future, as his unsupplemented salary is woefully inadequate,” Homer wrote.

To try and stimulate donations, the Masterworks Chorale Society Board is offering a matching grants to donations made through May 25 up to $15,000.

Announcement of the cuts came just before the group was awarded the "Diamond Award for Arts Organization” form the Peninsula Arts Council.  

Potential fundraisers are already being planned, including an event Sept. 12 at Domenico Winery in San Carlos. The group is set to perform May 22 and May 23 in Redwood City.

For tickets or to make a donation visit http://masterworks.org/donate.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.