After a brief suspension that left 66 full‑time musicians without work, the Phoenix Symphony is back on the stage thanks to a surprise $50,000 donation from the Valley Suns, the Phoenix Mercury and the Valley Suns baseball club.
Community and sports teams rally for the arts
During the Valley Suns home opener on Thursday, more than 30 symphony musicians performed on the field as the team was introduced. The event turned into a celebration of local culture when the three teams presented a check to the symphony, ensuring the music can continue to enrich the Valley.
Symphony chairman Mo Stein said the organization has met the criteria it set for resuming performances and is now planning concerts for January, February and beyond, not only at Symphony Hall but also at other venues throughout the region.
Why the symphony halted
Last month, symphony leadership announced a suspension of the season and layoffs of 66 full‑time musicians, citing an inability to cover operating costs despite a reported rise in ticket sales and revenue. Musicians described the decision as “blindsided” and called for transparency on a $60 million fundraising campaign and the status of reserve funds.
Local residents responded quickly, attending benefit concerts and offering their venues for performances, demonstrating the strong community support for the arts.
Looking ahead
With the new funding secured, the symphony will continue its season through Dec. 31 and is already mapping out a robust schedule for the new year. Stein emphasized that the organization is committed to expanding its reach beyond Symphony Hall, bringing live music to schools, parks and other community spaces.
The partnership between professional sports teams and the symphony highlights a growing trend of cross‑sector collaboration in the Valley, where businesses, nonprofits and civic groups work together to preserve cultural institutions that strengthen families and neighborhoods.
For more information on upcoming performances or ways to support the Phoenix Symphony, visit the symphony’s official website.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
