Proposal could see Orchestra London musicians back on stage

A new plan could see the 'Musicians of Orchestra London' perform this spring at Centennial Hall.

In the wake of Orchestra London's financial meltdown, the mayor and senior city staff are evaluating a plan submitted by the hall's operator.

It would see a short series of performances put on and hopefully lay the groundwork for a new orchestra organization to emerge.

Even as they rejected Orchestra London's $375,000 bail out request in December, council has been very supportive of seeing a new organization emerge.

Now work is underway behind the scenes at city hall to evaluate a proposal by Don Jones Entertainment, which operates Centennial Hall.

Earlier this month, Don Jones sent a letter to Mayor Matt Brown outlining his plan.

Jones says, "The whole purpose of this, is so that they could, if there is to be a new orchestra in the fall, this is n my view the only way to do it."

After consulting with the unions representing the musicians and production staff, Jones proposed three shows be played at Centennial Hall between now and the start of May - one classical, one pops and one Red Hot Weekend.

It would be a co-operative model where any profits would be divided equally between the musicians and staff who took part.

No management from the Orchestra London organization would be involved and tickets would be guaranteed by the Centennial Hall box office.

Jones describes it as a show of good faith to orchestra customers but also believes it could prove that the business model would work for a fall season later this year.

"It would allow them to start up in the fall with a revised Orchestra London plan, by showing good faith to the people that have been subscibers and good, solid base to the orchestra. So that's what I sent over to the city and I understand now that staff are investigating the idea."

He adds his contract doesn't permit him to provide Centennial Hall for free, so he has asked city hall to consider waiving the hall's rental fee for the three events - which is estimated at less than $15,000.

Jones believes the events would prove that a streamlined business model involving orchestra staff and musicians as part owners would be economically viable.

Speaking with CTV News, concert master Joe Lanza, a spokesperson for musicians, says it's the first he's heard of the plan, but is very interested in learning more about the proposal.