Mr. Getty turned 80 in December, and he was recently feted by the San Francisco Symphony for this milestone anniversary. The celebration included performances of Mr. Getty's compositions alongside the likes of Mahler and Beethoven. We at ACSO are incredibly grateful for the generous support Mr. Getty has shown to us, our members, and the arts over the years.

 

The Cultural Data Project recently announced important changes to their Data File review process. 

• They have simplified the Data Profile review process by automating a number of error checks and enabling you to see (and correct) errors in real time. This means fewer errors and a much faster review turnaround.
• They are making the Data Profile better reflect your disciplines, and introducing training and resources to help you understand not just how to input your information, but also how to use it most effectively. 
• They are refocusing their training and support to help you make better use of your data in day-to-day management and planning, and to engage funders, policymakers, and stakeholders through persuasive, data-supported storytelling.

 

Every year since 2009, Bay Area youth orchestras have convened for a benefit concert to assist our nation's homeless youth, raising more than $77,000 to date. This year's concert will take place on Sunday, January 19, at 3:00 p.m. at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. The genesis for this event occurred at an ACSO Annual Conference, and we proudly acknowledge the six ACSO member organizations involved in this year's concert:

- California Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

- El Camino Youth Symphony

- Oakland Youth Orchestra

- Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra

- San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra

- Young People's Symphony Orchestra

 

Governor Jerry Brown has appointed Donn Harris to the California Arts Council. Mr. Harris has been executive and artistic director at the Oakland School of the Arts since 2007. 

The Las Vegas Philharmonic will perform ten free concerts for nearly 15,000 school children January 13 - 17 as part of its expanded Youth Concert Series.

The Pacific Symphony has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the James Irvine Foundation to expand its reach into underserved communities. The Symphony will initially explore their role in the Chinese-American community before using the experience to better serve others around the area.

The San Francisco Symphony launches its two-week "Beethoven and Bates" festival on January 8th at Davies Symphony Hall. The festival aims to shed new light on Beethoven by juxtaposing his works with those of star DJ/composer Mason Bates.