The Music Plays On: The Phoenix Symphony Comes Back

Two and a half weeks ago, we wrote what read like a eulogy. The Phoenix Symphony had announced it would suspend its season after a November 1 concert, leaving 66 musicians facing unpaid layoffs. In our piece we asked the companies and civic leaders betting on Arizona’s future to step up. We hoped someone would answer.

Someone did. This past week we learned that the symphony will resume performances Thursday, Nov. 12, after a concentrated fundraising push secured enough commitments to lift the suspension. The musicians, laid off on Nov. 2, are going back to work.

A Quiet Rescue and a Loud Thank You

The turnaround took less than three weeks. Board chair Mo Stein credited a small group of community leaders, organizations and culture lovers who acted fast. Their names haven’t been released yet, though the symphony says it will recognize them soon.

Meanwhile, the musicians did their part too. Thousands watched and shared their farewell performance of Elgar’s “Nimrod.” Associate principal cellist Bridget Pasker thanked everyone who “refused to let this orchestra go silent.” The musicians also host a benefit concert this Sunday, Nov. 8, at Monroe Street Abbey downtown.

Fixing the Engine, Not Just Refueling It

One might reflexively think that this is simply kicking the can down the road, but this rescue comes with a plan. The symphony created the New American Symphony Commission, an 11-member group charged with rethinking its finances and operating model. Moreover, two of its seats go to musicians chosen by their union, Local 586.

The co-chairs are serious people. Don Opatrny is a former Goldman Sachs partner and immediate past chair of Phoenix Art Museum. John Graham, chairman and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings, is a former symphony board chair. Graham also chairs the Maricopa County Stadium District board overseeing Chase Field’s renovation.

That detail deserves a smile. In our first piece, we contrasted a half-billion-dollar ballpark facelift with a silent concert hall. Fittingly, a man steering that ballpark project is now helping steer the orchestra.

The Work Isn’t Finished

Photo Credit: Visit Phoenix

Still, nobody should mistake this for a happy ending just yet. Continuing into 2027 will require more money, and a new campaign called The Next Movement is underway. The real goal is keeping musicians on stage well past December 31.

So here is the ask: donate if you can. Even simpler, buy a ticket. The first concert back is a chamber performance of Brahms’ Serenade No. 1 at the Musical Instrument Museum. Then, from Nov. 13 through 15, Stuart Chafetz leads a pops program of Lloyd Webber, Elton John and McCartney at Symphony Hall.

Two weeks ago, we worried about living with the silence. Thankfully, we don’t have to. Now let’s fill the hall.