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Phoenix Symphony Gets $50K Lifeline From Suns, Mercury and Valley Suns After Near-Shutdown
The Phoenix Symphony, which suspended operations and laid off 66 musicians last month before securing enough funding to resume performances, received a surprise $50,000 donation from the Suns, Mercury and Valley Suns at the Valley Suns' home opener. The gift comes as musicians continue pressing for financial records and answers about the organization's $60 million fundraising campaign.
PHOENIX â The Phoenix Symphony, still emerging from a financial crisis that briefly silenced the orchestra and cost 66 full-time musicians their jobs, received a $50,000 lifeline Thursday night from the Valley's three professional basketball teams.
More than 30 symphony musicians performed at the Valley Suns' home opener as the team was introduced. Then came the surprise: a $50,000 check presented jointly by the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Valley Suns.
The donation lands weeks after symphony leadership abruptly announced it would suspend operations and lay off 66 full-time musicians, saying the organization lacked the "financial ability to continue the current season despite a reported increase in ticket sales and revenue." Leadership cited ongoing deficits.
Musicians said they were blindsided by the decision and have since raised pointed questions about the success of a $60 million fundraising campaign and where those reserves went. They have requested financial records in an effort to understand the collapse and fight to save the orchestra.
The community response was swift. Valley residents attended a benefit concert for affected musicians, and local businesses hosted performances to help them make ends meet.
This week, the symphony returned to the stage after securing enough funding to lift the season's suspension. Performances are scheduled to resume through Dec. 31.
Mo Stein, the symphony's chairman of the board, said the organization has met and exceeded the criteria it set for resuming performances. He said the symphony is making plans for January, February and beyond â not just at Symphony Hall.
For a city that has watched one of its flagship cultural institutions teeter, Thursday's check was a symbolic boost as much as a financial one. But the questions from musicians about the $60 million campaign and the organization's finances remain unresolved, and the road back to a full, stable season is far from assured.