Portugal Colonial - Phoenix Symphony Resumes Performances Amid Financial Uncertainty

The Phoenix Symphony will resume performances on November 12 after securing immediate funds to keep the orchestra active through December 31, though the organization’s long-term future remains uncertain. The board of directors and the Phoenix Symphony Musicians issued separate but similar press releases on Friday afternoon confirming the return, while simultaneously announcing the formation of an 11-member commission tasked with cementing the orchestra’s financial stability.

The resumption of performances comes just weeks after the symphony announced a sudden suspension of its season on October 21. Citing severe financial struggles, the board had halted programming after the November 1 performance and laid off all musicians. The 66-member orchestra responded with social media posts and flyers distributed before performances from October 30 through November 1, questioning the board’s actions and calling for greater financial transparency.

Peter Kjome, the symphony’s president and chief executive officer, stated in the board’s release that the organization had faced "the heartbreaking prospect of a silent concert hall and an uncertain future" just days prior. He added, "Now we can welcome our musicians and audiences back. All of us are grateful for their dedication and for the Valley leaders and organizations who helped make this return possible."

The board’s release indicated that while immediate fundraising commitments allow performances to restart, continued community support is essential to sustaining the season. The text noted that the symphony might need to cease operations again before the end of the year if further funding is not secured, though it did not specify a hard stop date.

In contrast, the musicians’ release was more explicit about the deadline. Bridget Pasker, associate principal cello and orchestra committee co-chair, stated that the show would not continue past the end of the year without additional support. "Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in America, and it deserves a world-class orchestra that grows with it," Pasker said. She emphasized that the path to a sustainable future involves growing audiences, donors, and community work. "We are relieved to be coming back, and we are grateful to everyone who refused to let this orchestra go silent," she added. "Keeping the music playing past December 31 will take all of us, and the musicians are ready to do our part."

To address the underlying issues, the board announced the creation of the New American Symphony Commission. The group will comprise civic and business leaders, musicians, and symphony representatives. It will be chaired by John Graham, chairman and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings and a former chair of the symphony’s board, and Don Opatmy, a private investor and former Goldman Sachs partner who has chaired numerous arts and education nonprofits.

Opatmy stated in the release, "We owe our musicians, donors and audiences a disciplined, realistic plan for lasting financial stability. That work must begin as soon as possible." The commission’s goal is to develop a sustainable plan for the nearly 80-year-old institution, ensuring that the financial challenges leading to the suspension are addressed through meaningful change.

The commission will also include two musicians selected by Local 586 of the American Federation of Musicians, along with symphony and community representatives. Graham and Opatmy will select the remaining members. The release clarified that musicians’ compensation and working conditions remain subject to collective bargaining.

While the board confirmed that Valley leaders and organizations provided the funds to restart the season, it did not disclose specific donors or amounts. A spokesperson for the board declined an interview request with Kjome, and Pasker declined a request for an interview. The board stated it would recognize the supporters in a subsequent announcement.

It remains unclear how much additional funding is needed or whether musicians have agreed to pay cuts or other concessions. The musicians’ release noted that continuing the season into 2027 will require additional fundraising and that musicians have committed to working alongside the administration and board to raise those funds. The symphony’s development team and musicians are collaborating on a fundraising campaign titled "The Next Movement."

Board President Mo Stein urged community members to donate and attend performances. "Now, more than ever, we need the community to be part of the Phoenix Symphony’s future," Stein said. "That means making a donation if you can, but it also means something simpler: Please come to our concerts. Be inspired by the sounds and emotion. Feel how music connects us. The best way to show that Phoenix needs and values its Symphony is to fill the concert hall and feel the experience."

The first official concert after the hiatus will be a chamber performance of Brahms’ "Serenade No. 1" on November 12 at the Musical Instrument Museum. The following weekend, from November 13 to 15, Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz will lead "Music of the Knights: Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John & Sir Paul McCartney." Additionally, a benefit concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday at Monroe Street Abbey in downtown Phoenix to raise funds directly for the musicians.

More information regarding performances, tickets, and the resumption of educational and community programs is available on the Phoenix Symphony website.

L.E.Campos--PC