Symphony Plays On

“Change is inevitable.’’

That’s what new Brevard Symphony Orchestra executive director David Schillhammer said. And he takes over at a time of great change. Despite cuts to arts funding in the county to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars, the BSO has no plans to let that, or anything, alter its history of offering free community events.

Schillhammer was hired in January, replacing Fran Delisle, who retired after 25 years in that role. Budget cuts also mean things are different in other ways, too, like fundraising.

“I have been working with the (BSO) board on a number of issues. I think it is going well,” Schillhammer said. There is no one way, right way — there are just different approaches. I think they are embracing the future.’’

His interest in the job came in part thanks to a decade-plus working relationship with BSO Conductor Chris Confessore.

“He is the real deal, if you will,’’ Schillhammer said. “He is extremely professional, artistically superior as a music director. He is a tremendously hard worker, a very talented programmer. He was the initial draw.’’

Schillhammer had been the executive director of the Orlando Philharmonic for 16 years and worked at Enzian Theater in Maitland as executive director for two years.

“I wanted an opportunity to get back into it and this was appealing,’’ he said. “Every orchestra has its challenges, no one is immune to it. There are challenges around the next corner. Someone has to be vigilant.

‘‘So I’m enjoying it, it’s a great challenge. I embrace it… I’m happy to be here.’’

Fundraising will be a necessity, especially with a February decision by county commissioners to decrease property tax allocations to the arts. The overall arts budget will decrease by $10,000 a year for three years.

“That’s a difference,’’ Schillhammer said. “Orange County is quite generous to the arts and has far more development tourist taxes, which they started over a decade ago.’’

BSO is putting on two free concerts, July 4 and Oct. 26. The performances will cost between about $30,000 and $50,000.

The first is at Cocoa Village and capped off with fireworks.

“It’s very popular,’’ Schillhammer said. “I understand some 10,000 plus people descend upon Cocoa Village, which I want to see.’’

The second free event is marketed for families.

“We have a number of sponsors for each of those two events,’’ Schillhammer said, explaining how vital sponsorships are. As in the concerts can’t happen with them.

“I do not see either (free concert) going away — ever.’’

Confessore worked with Schillhammer as a guest conductor some in Orlando. It was actually his wife, Bethany, a BSO violinist who has also worked in Orlando, who encouraged a talk with Schillhammer for advice.

The cut in funding is a task Confessore is taking on. He roughly estimates at least $20,000 in facilities cost alone, to put a free event on.

“(Schillhammer) has a plan in place,’’ Confessore said. “He is happy to surround himself with other talented people. That’s a sign of what an excellent leader is, David has lots of great ideas but he’s willing to bring in some excellent people to help us succeed.’’

Most performers work for several orchestras from Jacksonville to Naples, and some teach. The cities of Rockledge and Cocoa made contributions that will help pay the conductor and director salaries.

The July 4 concert could bring as many as 85 performers, with 50 about the norm.

“It’s a thrill and it’s one of the most important concerts we put on all season,’’ Confessore said. “It certainly brings our concert to more sets of ears at any one time. But it also being a patriotic day, a special day, one of the things we do every year is our armed forces salute.’’

The songs for all five armed services groups are played and veterans are asked to stand and be honored.

“Our audience goes crazy when they are asked to honor our servicemen and women, our veterans,’’ Confessore said. “That fills us all with a great sense of pride, as well. We’re all certainly tired, but it’s a special day of connecting with the community of so many people.’’

The cut in funding Confessore said, will be a gradual adjustment.

“We don’t like to see that happen but it’s not devastating and gives us enough to rally support,’’ he said.

A lot of supporters have already stepped up.

“I think there are a number of options that people are looking at,’’ Confessore said. “We’re very proud that we are able to offer professional performances a couple of times a year that are completely free of charge to our audience because that’s not the case everywhere.’’

Brevardsymphony.com

321-242-2024

Free concert:

Symphony Under the Stars

July 4, 8 p.m.

Cocoa Riverfront Park

VIP tickets available. Includes dinner and dessert, reserved parking and seating for concert.

Read more articles in our DIGITAL MAGAZINE.