Grand Opera House Thank You Correspondence05/25/2012
Mayor Roy Buol & Members of the Dubuque City Council
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RECEIVED
12MAY3I ANI0:24
City Clerks Office
Dubuque, IA
Roy & Council Members:
Last year the Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission awarded the
Grand Opera House $2,500 to help establish The Grand Pops Orchestra and
fund our premiere performance on January 21, 2012.
The project was a financial and artistic success. 460 attended the first
performance by the new orchestra on January 21, 2012. As promised, the
orchestra was composed of a combination of professional and student
musicians. The 45 musicians on stage included 10 student singers from
Hempstead's Jazz Choir joined by 8 adults for the chorus and 7 student violinists
joining 8 professionals in the string section. The rhythm section and horns were
all professionals. The program of Broadway, Hollywood and Great American
Standard tunes was enthusiastically received by the audience who treated the
group to 2 standing ovations.
In April a slightly smaller version of this orchestra accompanied a silent
film as part of the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. Again, a
combination of professional and student musicians, conducted by the
distinguished visiting conductor Maestro Robert Tomaro were warmly received.
The audience gave them a standing ovation at both intermission and the end of
the program. It was an exhilarating experience for everyone.
On May 19 the full orchestra and chorus performed a concert we called
"Summer Hits of the 50s & 60s. 454 patrons enjoyed that concert and again
treated the group to a standing ovation.
Business Office
(563) 588 -4356
www.thegrandoperahouse.com
135 W. 8th Street • Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Fax: (563) 588 -3497
Box Office
(563) 588 -1305
The combined ticket sales for these three events are $18,600 and more
than $10,000 was paid out to local professional and student musicians. I'm
certain that many of the 1111 persons who attended these three events ate at
local restaurants, purchased gasoline, hired babysitters, etc. And, it provided
usage of our historic theater for both rehearsals and performances.
Funding provided by the Council to the Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory
Commission through Special Grants and Operational Support truly has a
significant impact on our wonderful community.
Paul He mer
Executive Director
Cc: Jerelyn O'Connor