Omaha.com: “'when so many orchestras are struggling to survive, we’re thriving,' said Thomas Wilkins, its music director.”

[Thomas Wilkins]

Omaha World-Herald

Omaha.com

Published Thursday March 3, 2011

A sound ensemble

By Christopher Burbach

WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

“At a time when simply surviving could be cause for a symphony orchestra to celebrate, Omaha Symphony leaders say the orchestra is fit as a fiddle heading into its 90th anniversary celebration this weekend. 'Quite frankly, in this day and age, when so many orchestras are struggling to survive, we’re thriving,' said Thomas Wilkins, its music director.

“The group will observe its anniversary by performing concerts, featuring Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, at 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Holland Performing Arts Center downtown. A black-tie gala, including a concert by the orchestra and a tribute to longtime symphony supporter and concert hall namesake Richard Holland, will be Saturday at Joslyn Art Museum. Why celebrate at 90? 'It’s one of those even numbers,' Wilkins said. 'When people have their 90th birthday, it’s a big deal.'”

“The Omaha Symphony has felt some pain — some cutbacks, but no layoffs — from the recession that hammered arts organizations’ endowments and the investment holdings of many prospective donors. What’s different in Omaha, symphony leaders said, is that the local economy didn’t fall as far, the symphony has a fantastic new home in the Holland Center and local philanthropists and business leaders consistently prioritize supporting the arts.”