May of 2010 will mark eight years since I became the Executive Director of the Choral Society of Pensacola. Being part of this excellent organization for better than one-tenth of its 74-year history has been a richly rewarding experience, but there have also been challenges.

More and more, not-for-profit organizations are finding it difficult to stay afloat in what is frequently referred to as the “current economic climate.” For those of us in Northwest Florida, a rocky “economic climate” really began in September of 2004 when Ivan rolled ashore; then there was Dennis in 2005, and we were certainly not unaffected by Katrina that same year. Natural disasters of this type pull potential funding away from cultural organizations in a variety of ways. Of course, no sooner did we finally experience a lull in tropical disturbances, than a global recession came roaring in.

Through it all, the Choral Society has continued to operate in the black, never sacrificing the level of performance that has been our legacy. As many traditional sources of income have been reduced, or have disappeared altogether, the staff and Board of Directors of the Choral Society have had to be increasingly resourceful in our fundraising activities. I am proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in very difficult times, but, despite the success of these efforts, we still could not carry forward without our faithful patrons.

It gives me great joy to look out into the audience at each concert and see so many familiar faces, and a good number of new ones, too! Thanks to all of you, coupled with a healthy measure of hard work, the Choral Society of Pensacola is in great shape for our 2009-2010 season, and we are so happy to have you with us. We couldn’t do it without you.

Andrew R. Metzger

Executive Director