Save the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana (OSI)

The Orchestra della Svizzera italiana (OSI) started its activity 75 years ago in Ticino, and represents the cultural musical insitution of the region. OSI is at the moment funded in equal parts from the Canton Ticino and from the Swiss Society for Radio and television (SSR). On June 23rd SSR announced the end of the contrat with the Foundation for the Orchestra (FOSI) for the 01.01.2013 as part of a savings package which the SSR is confronted with. The cut amounts to 2.5 million francs on a total budget of 7 (3.5 from the Canton Ticino and 3.5 from the SSR). It is important to note that the cut to OSI represents the sole cut to culture in this savings package. Without these funds, the Orchestra is destined to stop its activity. We ask to SSR with the signatures of this petition to withdraw from this decision that goes against the culture of the Canton and that put in danger one of the best Orchestras in the country.