Disaster: Orchestra loses all instruments in false-alarm flood
mainThe Orquesta de Extremadura, which has been fighting a tooth-and-nail struggle for survival, has lost all of its instruments when a false fire alarm triggered an hour’s blast of water jets at the Palacio de Congresos de Badajoz.
The orchestra, which serves the impoverished border region between Spain and Portugal, has cancelled this week’s concerts and does not know where to turn.
There is a contact address on its website. Please get in touch if you can help. This is a genuine human and musical emergency.
h/t: Dianne Winsor
According to the website, there has been an accident in the concert hall and they have lost “many” of the instruments and materials that were stored there. (Not “all instruments”)
Their main concern seems to be finding a new venue for the upcoming concerts.
How did that even happen?
Fire-sprinklers (as known in the US and elsewhere for 100+ years) are not set off by “alarms”. Each sprinkler has a plug that melts at fire temperature and is not triggered by smoke, alarm switches or other mistaken panic.
The website of the Orquesta de Extremadura does not include any request for outside help, and no contact for donations. It seems that the main problem is that the Auditorium resulted disabled, and that the next concert should be suspended. In terms of instruments, will take over the insurance company.
The orchestra is a public institution, governed by a foundation which is composed of the regional governments, and the University. No reason to request outside private help. Best dedicate to Tibet …
An Orquesta of Extremadura spokesperson has responded this morning that the OEX is extremely grateful for the concern and interest expressed by Mr. Lebrecht and his kind readers. They’ve explained that their main concern now is rescheduling of concert dates, without inconveniencing their audience members.
Local music stores have come forward to help with the loss of instruments, and
the orchestra’s insurance will permanently replace what has been damaged and lost.
Donations, they feel, will not be necessary, at this time.
The OEX would like to thank you all for your kind thoughts and offers of help!
Here’s the update on the damages: 400,000 euros in damages and loss of musical instruments, which include a marimba valued at 20,0000, a grand piano, harp, 4 basses and more. I hope they have good insurance!
http://www.eldiario.es/eldiarioex/Orquesta-Extremadura-instrumentos-supuesto-antiincendios_0_387062629.html