Phoenix Symphony Returns Nov. 12, but Its Future Is Unsecured

The Phoenix Symphony will resume performances on Nov. 12, but continuing its season into 2027 still requires additional fundraising, according to the Phoenix Symphony Musicians.

The board and the Phoenix Symphony Musicians confirmed the restart in separate Friday afternoon releases, saying that immediate fundraising commitments had made a return possible after the Nov. 1 performance. Music will once again fill Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix, at least for the immediate run. Neither release commits the nearly 80-year-old institution to completing its season.

Peter Kjome, the Symphony’s president and CEO, said the organization had recently faced the prospect of a silent concert hall and an uncertain future. He thanked the musicians for their dedication and the Valley leaders and organizations whose support made the return possible.

The board did not rule out another suspension this season or set a hard stop. It said continued community support remains essential to sustaining the season and securing the Symphony’s future.

On Oct. 21, the Symphony announced that it would suspend its season after the Nov. 1 performance and lay off all musicians because of financial difficulties.

The 66-member orchestra responded with social-media posts and flyers handed out before performances from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. The materials questioned the board’s actions, called for more financial transparency and asked patrons to help demand answers. On Nov. 2, a joint statement in the “Updates” section of the Symphony’s website said fundraising had progressed and disclosed a plan to resume performances, possibly that month.

What does the restart change for audiences and donors?

For audiences, the first official event is a chamber performance of Brahms’ “Serenade No. 1” on Nov. 12 at the Musical Instrument Museum, followed by Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz leading a Nov. 13-15 program of “Music of the Knights: Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John & Sir Paul McCartney.”

A benefit concert at 7 p.m. Sunday at Monroe Street Abbey in downtown Phoenix will raise funds directly for the musicians. The Phoenix Symphony’s website now carries information about performances, tickets and the resumption of educational and community programs.

For donors, the immediate commitments have bought a return. They have not secured a guaranteed season.

The musicians’ release was more direct than the board’s. It said the show cannot continue after the end of the year without more support.

Bridget Pasker, associate principal cello and orchestra committee co-chair, said: “Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in America, and it deserves a world-class orchestra that grows with it. We believe the path to a sustainable future runs through growing our audiences, our donors and our work in the community.”

Pasker said the musicians were relieved to return and grateful to everyone who refused to let the orchestra fall silent. She said keeping the music playing beyond Dec. 31 will require everyone, and that the musicians are ready to contribute.

The board did not identify the Valley leaders and organizations that supplied immediate commitments or disclose their amounts. It plans to recognize those supporters in a later announcement. The releases also leave unclear how much more money the season needs and whether the musicians have agreed to pay cuts or other concessions.

The musicians said continuing into 2027 will require additional fundraising. They committed to work alongside the Symphony’s administration and board to raise it. According to the board, the development team and musicians are also collaborating on a fundraising campaign called The Next Movement.

Mo Stein, the board president, urged supporters to donate and attend performances. He said the clearest way to show that Phoenix needs and values its Symphony is to fill the concert hall and experience the music. A spokesperson for the board declined an interview request for Kjome. Pasker also declined an interview.

The board also announced an 11-member New American Symphony Commission. Its stated goal is to develop a sustainable plan for the nearly 80-year-old institution and address the financial problems that caused the suspension through meaningful, lasting change.

John Graham and Don Opatmy will chair the commission. Graham is chairman and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings and a former chair of the Symphony’s board. Opatmy is a private investor and a former Goldman Sachs partner and managing director who has chaired many arts and education nonprofits.

Opatmy said: “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 will bring together civic and business leaders, musicians and Symphony representatives. Two musicians will be selected by Local 586 of the American Federation of Musicians, alongside Symphony and community representatives. Graham and Opatmy will select the remaining members. The board said musicians’ compensation and working conditions remain subject to collective bargaining.

The return gives the Phoenix Symphony time, not certainty. The season reaches 2027 only if new commitments replace immediate fundraising, while the commission gives donors and musicians a credible, lasting financial plan.