Lilly Endowment grants $2M to Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is getting $2 million from the Lilly Endowment if it succeeds in its campaign to raise $5 million by Feb. 3 to settle a labor dispute with its musicians.

The symphony said Thursday that half of the money is earmarked for continuing a marketing campaign to meet the fundraising goal, to raise money in the future and to upgrade a website for ticket purchases. The other $1 million would pay for replacing the 80-year-old seats in the Hilbert Circle Theatre.

The symphony this week received pledges totaling $2 million from Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon and symphony board member Yvonne Shaheen. The three donations left the symphony with $2.35 million toward the $5 million goal.