Kalistan

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Princess Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis Patronizes Kaliburg Orchestra
Musical Arts to be promoted in Capital
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 3, 5634


Lady Monica wants to fully fund a Command Orchestra in Capital

If you read the papers only, you would think that all Kalistan produces is loud alternative rock, hip hop and reggae music.  But you would be wrong.  In fact, Ananto and Kalistan also have a thriving classical and modern music scene which has nothing to do with popular music, and all to do with artistry and excellence.  And Her Highness the Princess Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis is providing a very large and generous gift to help promote it in the wider consciousness.

"I studies the musical arts in college," said Lady Monica, in an interview before a performance of the Istalian opera Anna Lorena at the Kaliburg National Theater.  "My husband and I used to attend symphony performances, ballets, and operas regularly during his reign and it has always been my pleasure to do what I can to support the musical arts here in Kaliburg, as well as across Kalistan."

In an effort to formalize that support, Lady Monica has established the National Orchestra Foundation, with an initial capitalization of ₭12 million Imperial Rubles.  "The foundation will not only establish a long term commitment to the National Orchestra, but will allow them an opportunity to stretch out and try things that might not necessarily be in their wheelhouse," said Lady Monica.  "I can imagine a touring orchestra, student orchestras, additional programming to teach and advance musical education, perhaps patronization of composers so they don't have to have a job while they write, residencies for specific musicians, singers and dancers, and perhaps collaborations between the Orchestra a more popular music acts to encourage some cross over.  The possibilities are endless."

The initial capitalization will be drawn from the Princess' House Ananto pension, which is estimated to be guaranteed at more than ₭50 million a year (though it is widely reported that she returns nearly all of that money to the House General Fund annually) and is expected to be aggrandized at regular intervals.  "We also want to do fundraising around the the Orchestra," said the Princess. "There are many wealthy individuals in this city who I believe we can encourage to donate to this program.  Sustainability won't be an issue:  With enough money, we can keep arts at the forefront of our City in perpetuity.  I'm also thinking about potentially replicating the foundation in Sulari and perhaps Eshar, both of whom have thriving publicly funded arts communities, but would certainly benefit from having their financial concerns erased by generous philanthropic donations from the deep pockets across this empire."

The Princess said she will not administer the foundation.  "We have people who know about money to do that," she joked.  "House Ananto of course will manage the National Orchestra Foundation's finances.  I am lucky that I know the boss.  I'm just happy that we have the opportunity to patronize the musical arts here in Kaliburg, and I really look forward to the rest of the season."

Lady Monica said she attends performances weekly, and has even been seen out and about town, being escorted regularly by the Baron Calvin Morrison, 53, of Xanadu in Luxon County.  When asked if the two were an item for the gossip papers, Lady Monica smiled and said "Mr. Morrison and I are friends, and fellow music aficionados.  That's all at the moment."

@LaModa