Austin Symphony Conductor Funding Dispute
Symphony Conductor in Hot Seat:
Austin officials discussed a dispute within the Symphony Orchestra's board regarding the termination of its conductor, Dr. Buytendorp.Budget Brawl:
A key issue was whether city funds, already appropriated through the Recreation Department for Dr. Buytendorp's salary, could be redirected to a new conductor.Resolution for Now:
The city urged the Symphony Board to reconcile their differences and keep the current conductor for the remainder of the budget year, as funds were already earmarked for him.Future Funding Requirements:
For the 1949 budget, the city required the Symphony Board, orchestra members, and Recreation Department to present a unified plan and organizational structure for future financial support.
Full Transcript
256 256 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Recessed Meeting April 2,1948 4:00 P.M. Council Chamber, City Hall - The meeting was called to order, with Mayor Miller presiding. Roll call ১ Present: Councilmen Bartholomew, Glass, Johnson, Mayor Miller, and Councilman Thornberry - 5 Absent : None Present also: Guiton Morgan, City Manager; Beverly Sheffield, Superintendent of Recreation; Messrs. Buytendorp, Schemedes, Gregory, Duke, and others, being members of the Board of Directors of the Symphony Orchestra and interested parties. The Mayor stated that the purpose of the meeting was to clarify the decision of the Executive Board of the Symphony Orchestra that the tenure of office of Dr. Buytendorp as Conductor be terminated April 30, and new applications be submitted; and, as Dr. Buytendorp is paid through appropriation in the Recreation Department, whether the City would be agreeable for the Board to pay the salary to a selected Conductor, or must the salary be paid direct to Dr. Buytendorp as an employee of the City. Following a lengthy discussion of the matter, pro and con, by those present, it was the sense of the City Council that, in that the appropriation had been made, and a previous request that Dr. Buytendorp be the Conductor and the salary be paid direct to him, the Board of Directors of the Symphony Orchestra reconcile their differences for the rest of this budget year; then at the time the budget is being made up for 1949, that the Board, the members of the Orchestra, Recreation Department get together and submit their request, their plans, and their by-laws or organization plans to the City Manager to include in the Budget to be acted on by the City Council, and the City Council would make some decision at that time; but at this time, the money is already budgeted and earmarked. Upon motion, seconded and carried, the meeting was recessed, subject to call of the Mayor. Atpest: allia Miele City Clerk Jom Milla. Approved: MAYOR