PHOENIX — The Phoenix Symphony will stop performing after its Nov. 1 concert and begin laying off its musicians the next day, the orchestra announced Tuesday, saying it can no longer cover its costs.
All remaining performances and programs for the 2026-27 season are suspended until further notice. The symphony said ongoing operating deficits and existing financial obligations made it impossible to continue, even though its revenue has grown more than 50% since 2024, KTAR News reported.
Donations this fiscal year have fallen short, and most of the money pledged to the orchestra’s $60 million endowment campaign is restricted and can’t be used for day-to-day operations.
“This is the most difficult decision this Board has faced, and we did not make it lightly,” board Chairman Mo Stein said. President and CEO Peter Kjome said the effect on musicians and staff “will be profound.”
Leaders stressed the season is suspended rather than canceled, but said they don’t know when, or if, the orchestra will perform again. The board plans to review its finances and release a recovery plan. Subscribers and ticket holders will be contacted about their options.
Sources: KTAR News, ABC15. Thee Arizona Times uses AI-assisted reporting reviewed against the sources listed.
Photo: Cygnusloop99 / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
