Staff Reports | Community Updates
The Phoenix Symphony will suspend operations following its scheduled performance Sunday, Nov. 1, as the organization confronts a financial crisis that officials say prevents it from continuing its season.
The remaining 2026-27 performances and programs will be suspended until further notice, and layoffs of musicians will take effect Monday, Nov. 2, according to a press release.
Officials at the Phoenix Symphony say the entity does not have the financial resources necessary to continue the season. Despite increased revenue, ticket sales and philanthropic support, ongoing operating deficits have left the organization with financial obligations that officials say make continuing the season untenable.
The board and management have sought to address the financial challenges through the $60 million Crescendo fundraising and endowment campaign, reductions in administrative costs and consultation with musician representatives.
Officials said anticipated contributions for the current fiscal year have fallen short of the amount needed to sustain operations, requiring more significant changes.
Mo Stein, chairman of the Phoenix Symphony board, addressed the decision to suspend operations.
“This is the most difficult decision this Board has faced, and we did not make it lightly,” Mr. Stein said. “We have diligently pursued measures to close the gap between operating costs and revenues, and our efforts have not yet been enough. Continuing the season without the cash flow to meet our immediate obligations would put the institution’s future at greater risk. Our responsibility now is to minimize further losses, create a robust restructuring plan and build a financial foundation that will last.”
Peter Kjome, president and CEO of the Phoenix Symphony, said the suspension will have significant consequences for musicians and staff.
“We know the consequences of this decision on musicians and staff will be profound. They are the heart of the Symphony, and their artistry and dedication have deeply enriched this community,” Mr. Kjome said. “We also understand the disappointment for our subscribers, students, concertgoers and many community partners. It has been an honor to share our love of music with this community for nearly 80 years. Now our responsibility is to pursue every reasonable opportunity to preserve this institution for the future.”
Efforts to address the shortfall
The board and management have taken several steps to address the deficit:
- Fundraising: The $60 million Crescendo endowment campaign was launched in April 2025 to establish a long-term funding source for the Phoenix Symphony.
- Revenue: From fiscal 2024 through fiscal 2026, the Phoenix Symphony’s revenue increased by more than 50%.
- Administrative cuts: About $766,000 in administrative expense reductions have been identified, and officials said efforts to reduce expenses are continuing.
Essential costs, however, have continued to increase. Most endowment gifts cannot be used for day-to-day funding needs, and philanthropic contributions for the current fiscal year have not reached the level needed to sustain operations.
Combined with the organization’s existing obligations, the shortfall has created what officials described as an immediate financial crisis.
What the suspension means
Although the board has suspended the season, it has not canceled it. The Phoenix Symphony’s goal is to resume performances, but officials said it is not yet known when or whether that will happen.
During the suspension, the board and management plan to:
- Evaluate outstanding obligations and operating costs.
- Review revenue assumptions and fundraising needs.
- Determine the conditions necessary for a financially sustainable return.
The Phoenix Symphony said it will make its financial recovery plan public once it is completed.
“Any return to the season will depend on a realistic budget, verified support and the financial discipline to remain open,” Mr. Stein said. “We owe that to our musicians, our staff, our patrons, our donors and everyone else who has supported this orchestra.”
