In December 2009, Cincinnati arts patron and philanthropist Louise Dieterle Nippert established an eponymous Musical Arts Fund with a grant of some $85 million; the fund was intended to benefit the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Ballet and the Cincinnati Opera, among other arts organizations in and around the city. Of course, the economy has strengthened only marginally since then, and the Symphony’s contract with its musicians was in danger of lapsing without renewal, due chiefly to underfunded pension plans. Cue Mrs. Nippert again, who pledged a further, significant sum to the CSO on Friday that will allow the orchestra to meet the majority of its pension obligations. (FULL STORY: Janelle Gelfand, Cincinnati Enquirer)