Phoenix – The Phoenix Symphony’s financial lifeline is now caught in a legal battle. A $6.5 million donation from the trust of the late Glenn and May Tansley was approved by a Maricopa County judge on Oct. 14, but the trustee filed a motion on Oct. 22 to freeze the funds and reverse the decision.

Trustee alleges nondisclosure

The trustee claims the symphony failed to disclose its plan to suspend the season and lay off its entire roster of musicians before the court approved the gift. In the filing, the trustee argues that the orchestra’s omission of this critical information misled the court into granting the donation.

Symphony’s response

The Phoenix Symphony denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, the organization said, “We disagree with the Trustee’s characterization of the Symphony’s actions and we will respond to this motion in court shortly. Suspending the season does not mean the Phoenix Symphony has ceased operating.” The symphony’s CEO called the timing of the trustee’s motion “purely coincidental,” noting that even if the money were released immediately, it would not have prevented the current season’s closure.

Donation terms and current status

According to the trust’s original terms, established in 1992, the $6.5 million is earmarked for a permanent memorial fund. The principal cannot be used for day‑to‑day operating deficits, meaning the symphony could only draw income generated by the fund for future projects.

At present, the symphony has not received any portion of the payout. Leadership says it remains focused on restructuring its finances so live performances can eventually resume.

Impact on musicians

The abrupt season suspension has left the orchestra’s musicians without work. One musician described the situation as “personally devastating” and “artistically devastating to know that you have devoted your life to this.” The community has already begun rallying to support the displaced artists, but the legal impasse adds uncertainty to any near‑term relief.

What’s next?

A judge has not yet ruled on the trustee’s motion to freeze the donation. The outcome will determine whether the symphony can eventually access the memorial fund’s earnings or if the gift will be returned to the trust.

For now, the future of the multi‑million‑dollar gift—and the orchestra it was intended to support—remains unresolved.

Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.