Red Cross Raises over $5,000 at Illinois Symphony Orchestra Pops in the Park        

[SEPT. 13, 2005]  sPRINGFIELD -- The American Red Cross and the Illinois Symphony Orchestra launched a significant response to Hurricane Katrina last weekend raising over $5,000 for victims in the affected regions. Red Cross volunteers were on hand to accept donations at the Illinois Symphony Orchestra “Pops in the Park” concerts at Douglas Park in Springfield on September 3, and at Miller Park in Bloomington on September 4. Thanks to the generosity of concert attendees over $2,000 in donations were collected in Springfield and over $3,300 in donations were collected in Bloomington.

In response to Hurricane Katrina, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra (I.S.O.) is raising funds to hire musicians from Louisiana. Many musicians from the affected regions have moved to Illinois and the I.S.O. will be providing temporary employment as funds allow, to as many players as possible beginning with the opening Masterworks concert on Friday, September 16th in Bloomington-Normal and Saturday, September 17th in Springfield.

Anyone wishing to facilitate through housing and/or donations for these musicians can call the I.S.O. office at 217/522-2838. The Illinois Symphony Orchestra performs not only in Springfield but also in Bloomington, drawing musicians from across Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri and Wisconsin. For more information call 217/522-2838 or visit www.ilsymphony.org. The ISO is supported in part by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

[News release]

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