An Important Update from The Phoenix Symphony

Dear Friends,

I am writing to share extraordinarily difficult news. The Phoenix Symphony will suspend 2026-27 performances and programs following its performance on Sunday, November 1, 2026, because the organization does not have the funds needed to continue the season as planned.

Although ticket sales have increased, contributed revenue has grown, and administrative and operating expense reductions have been made, these efforts have not been enough to overcome the Symphony’s longstanding financial challenges. Contributions anticipated for the current season have not been secured at the levels necessary to sustain operations. Simply put, we cannot continue spending funds we do not have. We project that the Symphony will be unable to meet essential obligations beginning in November.

This decision will affect the lives of our musicians and staff, as well as people throughout our community. This suspension comes at a time of extraordinary artistic momentum for The Phoenix Symphony, as the orchestra performs at the highest level in its history and prepares to enter an exciting new chapter in its artistic leadership. That makes this moment all the more painful.

Nothing about this decision reflects the quality of the orchestra, the commitment of our musicians and staff, or the importance of this institution to our community. This is the life’s work of our musicians, many of whom have devoted decades to this orchestra and to our community. We recognize the profound impact this decision will have on our musicians, staff, and their families.

The suspension will also affect thousands of people across our community who experience the Symphony through concerts, education programs, and community partnerships. For many people, our orchestra has been part of their lives for years or even decades. This is your Symphony. It belongs to this community and serves Phoenix and Arizona both on and off the stage.

During the suspension, the Board and leadership will continue the work already underway, address immediate obligations, and determine what changes will be required for performances and programs to resume responsibly. The suspension is intended to help prevent the Symphony’s financial position from worsening while that work is underway.

Given the uncertainty about whether performances may resume, all 2026-27 subscriptions are also being suspended. We recognize what the loss of these performances will mean to our subscribers and ticket buyers. They will be contacted directly with information about their options as soon as the necessary arrangements are finalized.

The Symphony has served this community for nearly 80 years. Our responsibility now is to confront these circumstances honestly and to do all we can to preserve a future for this great orchestra. Additional philanthropic support will be essential if there is to be a path forward. And a financially sustainable operating model is vital. As this work progresses, we will explain what is needed to bring the music back and how our community can help make that possible.

For more information, please visit phoenixsymphony.org/updates.

Thank you for your support of The Phoenix Symphony and the people who make its work possible.

With gratitude,

Peter Kjome
President and CEO