The Delta Air Lines Foundation has pledged to make a $2.5 million contribution to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Musicians’ Endowment Fund, helping the Orchestra reach their $25 million goal to permanently endow 11 musician positions.

The Delta Air Lines Foundation gift completes the Musicians’ Endowment Campaign nearly two years ahead of schedule. To date, more than $25 million in funds have been committed to the Musicians’ Endowment Fund and nine musicians have joined the Orchestra over the past year. The two newest members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra are Samuel Schlosser, Principal Trombone, and Gina Hughes, Piccolo and Flute.

“The Delta Air Lines Foundation is thrilled to complete the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Musician’s Endowment Fund by pledging to make the final grant of $2.5 million of the Orchestra’s $25 million endowment campaign.  Completing the campaign to restore 11 positions two years early shows the momentum in the arts community in Atlanta,” said Ed Bastian, Delta Air Lines CEO and trustee of The Delta Air Lines Foundation. “Delta Air Lines and its Foundation are committed to giving back to the communities where we live, work and serve.”

To recognize the generous gift from The Delta Air Lines Foundation, the Principal Tuba Chair, held by Michael Moore, will be endowed and named The Delta Air Lines Chair. The named chair is a fitting tribute to Moore, who is celebrating his 49th season with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. 

“Delta Air Lines and the Delta Air Lines Foundation have been extraordinary partners to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for many years, both giving generously and supporting the Orchestra in a myriad of ways,” said Jennifer Barlament, Executive Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. “We are profoundly grateful to The Delta Air Lines Foundation for this transformational gift to the Musicians’ Endowment Campaign, which will help lift the Orchestra into a new era of artistic vitality and service to the community.”               

The Musicians’ Endowment Fund was launched in December 2014 as a key component of the Woodruff Arts Center’s $100 million Transformation Campaign. The Transformation Campaign, one of the largest fundraising efforts in the Arts Center’s history, is designed to dramatically increase endowments, renovate The Alliance Theatre and provide greater access to the arts for families.

The Delta Air Lines Foundation is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1968 to enhance Delta’s charitable giving. The Foundation is focused on the key areas of health and wellness, arts and culture, education and diversity. Foundation contributions are unrestricted, allowing recipients to use funds where they are needed the most.

Delta is the presenting sponsor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.