Baroque Record - 8.1 (August 1999)

A pleasant reflection

BCG Board looks back with pride

Baroque Choral Guild concluded, at the end of its1998-1999 season, that its twenty year track record was a very good score indeed. Artistically and organizationally, growth has been astounding and gratifying.
In keeping with the organization's mission to raise the level of choral music appreciation in the Bay Area with performances of both traditional and unusual works, the Guild presented a challenging and diverse repertoire of music from the renaissance, baroque, classical, and modern periods.
Audience size did not match that of the previous season, but the Guild was encouraged by the program officer from the Packard Foundation, which has sponsored BCG's 3-year marketing campaign: "Even though audience numbers were down this season it is heartening that the Guild chose to take artistic risks instead of limiting itself to only those works of broad, general appeal."

Funding new and renewed

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and Arts Council Silicon Valley both renewed their support of the Guild's marketing efforts for its concert season. In addition, the Packard Foundation is working with the Guild on an Organizational Effectiveness proposal for longterm and strategic planning.
Once again the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation awarded the Guild an unsolicited grant for general support. An anonymous donor offered a challenge grant matching new contributions and the disbanding Wykeham Singers turned over their cash reserves to establish a scholarship fund for Peninsula Choral Workshop.
Finally, generous board member contributions more than doubled Baroque Choral Guild 's endowment fund.

No resting on laurels

Managing Director and BCG co-founder Audrey Wong reflects "We were considered a pretty rag-tag bunch back in August 1979. It's amazing what we were able to accomplish with guts, dedication, and a strong sense of artistic responsibility.
"We can pat ourselves on the back - but not too much or for too long. The real measure of our organization is not how good we've become, but how much better we can continue to be."

Volume 8, Issue 1

Baroque Choral Guild, 953 Industrial Ave. Ste 118, Palo Alto CA 94303, 650.424.1410