Symphony eyes year in the black

The Richmond Symphony anticipates finishing its fiscal year in the black after receiving $17,000 toward a $50,000 challenge grant and an additional $125,000 for debt retirement, members of the orchestra board were told at their 2013-14 annual meeting.

The challenge grant, from the Kenneth and Bettie Perry Foundation, is in honor of the symphony’s musicians. New donations made by June 30, up to a total of $50,000, will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

The board also renewed the contract of David Fisk, the symphony’s executive director, through 2017-18, the orchestra’s 60th anniversary season.

The board was told that the Richmond Symphony Foundation’s endowment has reached a balance of $12.54 million.

Philip H. Bennett will continue as chair of the symphony board, joined on the executive committee by John W. Braymer, immediate past chair of the board; Rebecca J. Horner, vice-chair; Richard Smith, secretary; Mark Wickersham, treasurer; Fisk; and four at-large members: George Mahoney, Brian Szabo, Chet G. Wade and Dr. Elisabeth Wollan.

Six new members were elected to the board: Cheryl Goddard, Elizabeth Cabell Jennings, D. Brennen Keene, Ellen E. Spong, Richard Szucs, Ludi Webber and Susan Williams.