Gerald Dupuis, chairman of the Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council, Inc., has announced that The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will return on Friday, July 25 for a concert under the tent at Arrowhead Park.
The FCLPAC is also awaiting word on a repeat free concert by the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division Band at the same venue on Sunday, July 27th.
Tickets for the performance will be available for purchase at the Inlet and Old Forge Information Offices in mid-May, but in the meantime the FCLPAC is hoping appreciators of the symphony will consider making a contribution to assist with starting costs for this year’s event.
Following the 2013 concert, which operated at a loss, the organization experienced a depletion of most of its funds.
According to Dupuis, last year the organization was forced to change their traditional concert date of the last Friday in July when the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, who had performed at the event since its inception, went defunct.
FCLPAC was able to secure Rochester Philharmonic for a performance, but their only available date during the month was on July 6th.
Having to compete with the many activities surrounding the Fourth of July holiday weekend—such as family gatherings—hurt attendance numbers, said Dupuis.
Post-event contributions from American Legion Post 1402 in Inlet and Post 893 in Old Forge and the RPO chairman brought the FCLPAC even with their debts, but they are now launching their 16th year with meager funds.
“If you value our program, we ask you to kindly consider any contribution within your means. You would be amazed by the many contributions of $5 or $10 that help us immensely,” Dupuis said.
Tax-deductible donations can be sent to: Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council, P.O. Box 680, Inlet, NY 13360.