December City Council Message
By: Lynda Roesch, Contact this Councilmember
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BLUE ASH/MONTGOMERY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
As part of the strategic plan the City of Montgomery adopted in 2006, the City committed to entering into public and private partnerships which would enhance the services the City offered its residents. An example of such a strategic partnership is the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra. This particular partnership has several positive aspects. First, it creates an alliance with a neighboring city--Blue Ash. This is important because many times cities have to work together in regional units to carry out projects, and a partnership like this can foster good working relationships with other communities. Second, the partnership allows the City to deliver an amenity--quality concerts of programs that the whole family can enjoy. This type of activity helps to set Montgomery apart from other communities.
The City of Montgomery is heavily involved in the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (BAMSO). Members of Montgomery City Council and the Montgomery Arts Commission sit on the Board of the Symphony. They also serve on BAMSO's committees and help raise funds for BAMSO. As an example, in September, 2007, there will be a fundraiser gala celebrating the Symphony's twentieth anniversary.
Beginning in 2001, the Blue Ash Symphony, the predecessor of BAMSO, performed a July 3rd patriotic concert in Montgomery Park as a way to kick off Montgomery's Fourth of July celebration. The July 3rd concert has had a growing attendance since its inception. The first year approximately five hundred attended. Last year several thousand members of the audience enjoyed the program which traditionally pays tribute to all things American, including our troops. Last year the program featured a salute to New Orleans; this year the concert will feature the sounds of the Big Band era. In 2003, the City of Blue Ash and Montgomery agreed to join together in the sponsorship of BAMSO. Montgomery now offers BAMSO concerts twice a year: the annual July 3rd patriotic concert and a Valentine's Day concert. The 2007 Valentine's Day concert is scheduled for February 18th at 6 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church and will feature romantic music from Broadway, Chopin and Saint Saens. Also, several members of BAMSO perform at the Montgomery's City Hall during the Fine Arts Sampler Weekend in February when council chambers are opened for viewing the Ansel Adams photograph collection.
The Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony is a not-for-profit organization which is sponsored by both the cities of Blue Ash and Montgomery. Although both cities contribute to the Symphony, the Symphony also solicits grants and donations from organizations and individuals to meet operating expenses and continue to offer programs that appeal to a wide range of audiences.
BAMSO pays its musicians, many of whom perform regularly perform with other orchestras such as the Cincinnati Symphony. That makes BAMSO a professional orchestra, led by conductor Michael Chertock. BAMSO also sponsors a young artist competition. The young artist winners are featured during the Symphony season. The Symphony's season includes a Memorial Day and Labor Day concert in the Blue Ash Towne Square. In addition, the Symphony also offers a holiday concert. The holiday concert this year will be December 2nd at 7:30 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church on Pfieffer Road in Montgomery.