Two years ago, the Atlanta Ballet‘s Board of Directors voted to switch from live music accompaniment to digital music tracks as a cost-saving measure. On Sept. 22, the ballet announced it is bringing its orchestra back for select performances during the 2008-2009 season, thanks to a $200,000 gift from AB Trustee Patti Wallace and a one-year pact with the Atlanta Federation of Musicians.
“It has always been our intention to bring live music back to our performances,” says Barry Hughson, AB’s Executive Director. “While this is an exciting step, we still have further to go, and need the support of whole community, so that live music will be a part of every one of our performances in future seasons.”
Wallace met AB Artistic Director John McFall when the ballet performed in Haywood, N.C., where she has a home. “I have been a fan of the Atlanta Ballet for years,” Wallace says. “While they hold a special place in my heart, this is a good business decision. The arts are vital in Atlanta’s emergence as a world-class city, and live music is an integral part of professional dance that will help grow our base of audience and donors. I am proud to be able to provide the support to accelerate the return of the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.”
