Members of the Board of Directors, We, the undersigned, present this letter in support of the leadership of Doreen Rao and to bring witness to the many of us who appreciate what she brings to the Chorus. Doreen’s reputation and credentials are well documented. To list a few of her strong and positive attributes: • Obvious and immediate improvement of the Chorus’ sound • An international reputation • Improved relationship with the BPO in general and with JoAnn Falletta specifically • A willingness and acumen for fund-raising • A dynamic presence in the Western New York community • Her energy and presence are the new “face” of the Chorus • Extraordinary vision • An active and creative involvement with the finance committee She is indisputably among the upper echelon of choral conductors in North America, and it is our, and Buffalo’s, good fortune to have her as our director. We support the Board, which had the confidence and foresight to offer Doreen the position of Artistic Director, and encourage the Board to uphold and demonstrate its decision in a substantive and visible way. Such demonstration will clearly convey to the membership that Doreen is unquestionably its leader. In conclusion, we all recognize that Doreen knows well how to do her job. We urge the board, along with us, to support her visibly and enthusiastically as partners in making the BPC the best it can be. Respectfully yours, Concerned members