After bringing first-rate classical music to Lakeside since 1992, the iconic Music Appreciation Society (MAS) is faced with the possibility of having to shut up shop.
MAS officers will inform the Lakeside community on the current situation at an open meeting arranged for Tuesday, July 17, 2 p.m. in the gazebo of the Lake Chapala Society campus.
They hope to gain input from the community about the level of interest in maintaining MAS as a viable organization.Citing lackluster audience response in the last two years, MAS President Kathleen Phelps said she has some doubts as to the relevancy of the organization in today’s Lakeside community.
“When MAS began we held five fine musical events each year during the ‘high’ season – from November to March,” said Phelps. “They were well attended because we were among the few bringing good music here.”
Today, MAS has plenty of competition for the entertainment peso. VIVA la Musica provides professional venues for up-and-coming Mexican musicians and has moved its five-concert schedule from the summer months to the same November-March slot.
The Northern Lights Music Festival holds at least five concerts during that period and Los Cantantes del Lago stages regular events in the same time frame. Impresarios have also brought other performers here during the high season in recent years.
Phelps said the situation is compounded by the disinterest on the part some people appointed to the organization’s board of directors, as well as a shortage of funds.
Tuesday’s meeting is open to all who are interested in MAS and its place in the community. Everyone is encouraged to show up and share their know-how, opinions and ideas about the organization’s future. For more details about the meeting, contact Phelps at 766-0010.
For more information about MAS, check out the website at www.masajijic.com.