Meeting the Challenge

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July 7, 2008

Dear Friends of PACEM,

PACEM is planning to give one major concert in 2009. The works we would love to perform on January 31, 2009, are Bach's Magnificat and three of Handel's Coronation Anthems, in the 250th anniversary year of the latter's death, with the dynamic Martin Neary conducting. The program includes the sparkling but rarely heard Christmas Interpolations, which Bach intended originally to be performed alongside his Magnificat, making it probably unique in San Diego history. Handel was commissioned to write the Coronation Anthems for the coronation of King George II (1727), and every succeeding British Coronation has featured at least one of these festive works. We will thus be providing a rare chance for choir members to learn and sing some wonderful, challenging repertory, as well as offering something special to the concert-going public in San Diego.

Because of the major expenses involved, we are seeking your help so that we can proceed with our plans. Excluding administrative expenses, the total concert costs are about $25,400. After carefully working over the budget, including all possible income sources, we have determined that an additional $10,000 is needed to fund the production. Thanks to a most generous donation of $5,000 in the form of a matching grant, we have the opportunity of proceeding with this very exciting choral concert IF PACEM members and friends can combine to produce $5,000, so that the matching funds can kick in. Can YOU, please, help us achieve this?

Please be aware that every effort has been made to pare expenses. To put together all the details necessary to produce a major concert, we need to set a deadline of Wednesday, August 6, 2008 to receive donations or pledges. So please do not delay!

As a Sponsor of or a Contributor to this concert, you will receive our grateful acknowledgement on all flyers, emails, and the PACEM web site, as well as in the concert program itself. PACEM is a 501(c)(3) organization, so all of your donations are tax deductible. You may make your donations in several ways.

• Come to a Summer Sing and make your donation in person
• Mail a donation to PACEM (address below) and earmark "for 2009 Program"
• Donate online

The concert expenses are:

• Rehearsal costs, including rehearsal conductor, rehearsal pianist and section leaders; $7,000
• Orchestra: $8,400
• Soloists and conductor: $7,000
• Advertising, printing and mailing: $3,000

Total $25,400

Thank you so much for seriously considering our request. Please do not hesitate to contact the PACEM office (619-298-6759) or dtmitchell@pacem-music.org if you have any questions.

Your Friends at PACEM