The National Philharmonic’s board of directors met Wednesday night with philanthropist and businessman Jim Kelly to discuss his proposal for funding the orchestra, but did not take a vote.
Kelly, the co-owner of Takoma Park-based Potter Violins, announced a proposal last month to privately fund National Philharmonic with more than $500,000. Kelly, however, insisted that he be made president of the organization and that Board Chair Todd Eskelsen be removed from his position. In an interview on Thursday, Eskelsen said the board has made no decisions about Kelly’s offer and the conditions attached to it.
National Philharmonic, the largest classical music orchestra in the county, said in early July that it would close after 14 years of performances at the Music Center at Strathmore due to financial problems.
But on July 31, the orchestra announced it would return to Strathmore for its 2019-20 concert season. Eskelsen said the orchestra received more than 400 donations through an online fundraising effort totaling more than $200,000.
Eskelsen said Thursday morning that the board organized Wednesday night’s meeting late last week, expecting to continue discussions with Kelly, who plays in the orchestra.
Eskelsen said the board asked Kelly a number of questions, hoping to bring a “prompt resolution to the matter” before the orchestra’s upcoming season in September.
“What we’re looking for is instead of being two separate initiatives, is to come together. What that proposal looks like is a topic of conversation,” he said.
Eskelsen said the questions centered around marketing, staff retention and changes to the organization that “he thought were necessary.” Eskelsen did not elaborate on the specifics of the questions.
“They were type of things you would expect in evaluating a new business proposal,” he said.
Kelly could not be reached for comment Thursday morning.
Eskelsen said board members listened to Kelly and were respectful, but at times, there were “sharp questions asked.”
“He [Kelly] was clear in the differences [with the board] and the board members were clear in where they took issue where they had further questions. But there was a good exchange of issues and ideas,” he said.
Montgomery County Council member Tom Hucker wrote a letter Wednesday asking the 19-member board to approve Kelly’s plan because the orchestra’s “current challenges are too great to continue with the same business model and operations.”
“I know Jim Kelly as a longtime successful business owner in my district; I believe he has the track record and business acumen to guide the National Philharmonic through to the other side of this crisis,” Hucker wrote. “I am encouraged by the support this rescue plan has garnered from both National Philharmonic musicians and private donors. I am also supportive of the commitment for a thorough audit and organizational review. I believe these steps will do so much to restore trust in the health and direction of the organization.”
Eskelsen said the board did not receive the letter from Hucker himself, but from Kelly on Wednesday.
“We’re appreciative of the council member’s interest and take seriously all of our patrons’ interest in the National Philharmonic,” Esekelsen said.
Asked whether he was willing to step aside as chair, Eskelsen said, “I am the board chair and the board has to consider all of those things.”
Eskelsen said the goal is for the board to continue talking with Kelly, and he hopes to hold a teleconference meeting as soon as possible.
“We have the same goal in mind and that goal is to continue the National Philharmonic,” he said.
Dan Schere can be reached at Daniel.schere@moco360.media
