Saturday, May 20, 2000
Orchestra listens to critics of new name
'Ohio Philharmonic' reverts to Middletown
By Janet C. Wetzel
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown Symphony Orchestra board is back in the good graces of area residents.
After its recent decision to change the symphony name to Ohio Philharmonic Orchestra drew a crescendo of complaints, the symphony decided this week to revoke the change and restore harmony.
Helen Ramsdell, a voice teacher for decades, an honorary life member of the symphony board and a member of the symphony's women's auxiliary, was one of the first to complain and one of the happiest with the reversal.
“I was very excited,” Mrs. Ramsdell said. “I think they had to change the name back. They would have lost all of the Middletown support. And the vast major ity of the supporters and season ticket holders are from Middletown.”
Area patrons of the nearly 60-year-old symphony said taking Middletown from the name was a disservice to its founder and the many people who kept it going in the early days.
The name change was made to broaden the appeal and increase concert attendance and contributions, said John Ritan, symphony board president.
“We've appreciated the concern expressed by the community and hope our decision will ease any worries created by any previous announcements,” he said.
Orchestra Music Director Carmon DeLeone said the board carefully considered the comments of longtime supporters in making its decision.
“Now we must challenge each good citizen of Middletown, along with all well intentioned municipal leaders, to step forward and assist in the survival of this great community asset,” Mr. De Leone said. More financial support is needed, but increased concert attendance is equally important, he said.
Robert Wells, among the city commissioners who were unhappy with the change, commended the board's decision, and said he will suggest that some of the city's hotel bed tax funds be given to the symphony.
Colon cancer vaccine ready to test
Student graduates in hospital
Again: A fatal crash and a stricken school
Taft signs ban on some late-term abortions
'Average Joe' robs Clermont bank
Fairfield official indicted on fraud
Findlay project gets $250,000 gift
Petition dispute a lesson in civics
RAMSEY: School funding is one hot potato
Slain police officers honored at memorial service
'Son of Beast' closed for third weekend
TV ads called loophole
Ky. to see Bush, Gore often
N.Ky. primary is one-office race
Other candidates on ballot, like it or not
Appeal rejected in Officer Partin's death
Newport looks at race book
Schools look for new chief
Schools to move off tainted site
Cancer report led to probe
Get to it
May Festival gets off to glorious start
Pig Parade: Sow's It Goin' . . . Cincinnati!
Suspect in fatal DUI returns to Mexico
Teen faces weapons charge
Teen held on suspicion of poisoning drinks
Tristate Digest
Around the Commonwealth
Covington teachers get raises
Dozens charged after wild party
Fairfield schools hire new athletic director
Girl, 14, suspended for threatening letter
Man guilty of raping girl, 11
Middletown will survey residents about parks
Mission: To bring Hamilton business
Orchestra listens to critics of new name
OSU strike appears ended
Phys ed shunted aside in curriculum changes
S. Lebanon man pleads guilty in Jan. shooting
School digs up the past
Senate hopeful wants divorce of religion, politics
Sibling bus drivers retiring
Slaying still juvenile case, Wehrung lawyers say
Software maker heads to Deerfield
