AVAILABLE right now – WATCH FOR FREE!
United Symphonies of America! is a first-of-its-kind national initiative designed to educate and inspire the American public about the collective impact made by regional orchestras in the life of the nation!
… featuring regional orchestras in over 30 states, as well as an easy way to support them!
It goes without saying that, if it wasn’t for the bold vision, leadership, commitment, and tireless efforts of the 30 regional orchestras represented in the inaugural United Symphonies of America! event, none of what you are about to see would be possible. Our endless gratitude to each and every one of them. Bravo!
Click on any logo below to see the Spotlight On page for each individual orchestra…
The Backstory
December 2020. The depths of the COVID pandemic: thousands of American businesses and nonprofit organizations are hurting or on the ropes, and many, sadly, are permanently or temporarily shuttered.
Performing arts organizations are reeling. Already underfunded compared to nonprofit sectors such as health, education and human services, arts organizations are facing existential questions.
Enter a trio of friends—one a tech marketing expert, one a regional orchestra conductor, and the third a nonprofit marketing and fundraising professional—inspired to make a difference.
Reaching into their own pockets, the trio self-funds the creation of a bold new initiative dubbed United Symphonies of America!, whose aim, essentially, is threefold:
- Educate and inspire the American public about the vital contributions to local communities made by regional orchestras, thereby doubling their value proposition!
- Develop capacity in regional orchestras by providing new marketing and fundraising tools, including: the USA! website; sponsor- and donor-development tools and online training; media outreach material; social-media marketing material; premium items; and the one-hour USA! production itself!
- Leverage the power of music to delight and unite the American public in the midst of a dark and confusing time in our history!
Meet the “back story buddies” Alan, Jonathan and Steven here! We’re delighted to share the result of nine months of effort, and look forward to welcoming you on September 30th at 6:30 p.m. ET!
This project is an LLC created by Jonathan McPhee, Steven Biondolillo, and Alan Bergstein.
Special thanks to Stewart Clifford, Enterprise Media, and Laura Carlo.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS IT TOO LATE FOR MY ORCHESTRA TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM?
No. We are here to help tell your story, and rally support for your activities.
WHO IS THE AUDIENCE FOR THIS PROJECT?
All donors, patrons, audience members of each orchestra in every state, and all music lovers across the nation. We encourage everyone to support their local orchestra and show your enthusiasm for the work other orchestras are doing by donating to them as well.
HOW MUCH OF THE MONEY I DONATE GOES TO THE ORCHESTRA?
100% of the money you give to the orchestra of your choice through the direct links on each spotlight page go to the orchestra you choose. United Symphonies! is offering this service to all for free.
IF I BUY MERCHANDISE, WHO GETS THE MONEY?
10% of the proceeds from merchandise goes to the orchestra you select to support (don’t forget to tell us which one!)
HOW IS THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ARTS AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER INDUSTRIES?
Any time money changes hands, there is a measurable economic impact. Social service organizations, libraries, and all entities that spend money have an economic impact. What makes the economic impact of arts and cultural organizations unique is that, unlike most other industries, they induce large amounts of event-related spending by their audiences. For example, when patrons attend a performing arts event, they may purchase dinner at a restaurant, eat dessert after the show, and return home and pay the babysitter. These expenditures have a positive and measurable impact on the economy. (from https://www.americansforthearts.org/)