Payments to musicians are set to resume Nov. 9 and are expected to continue through the end of the year, according to the symphony's board. The season runs through May, and players say securing funding to reach that finish line — and rebuilding trust with leadership — remains an open question.

"We definitely need continued support from the community. There is still a very long road ahead, both financially but also just rebuilding trust between the musicians and particularly our board," said Bridget Pasker, associate principal cello and co-chair of the orchestra committee. "The thing I think we can rely on from all parties involved is that we want this organization to continue and to be able to continue to serve this community."

The crisis came to a head last month when the board suspended the season, citing mounting operating deficits. The unpaid period for musicians began Nov. 2. Board leaders said they had managed to cut the deficit by 70% through increased fundraising, cost reductions and stronger ticket sales, but donations still fell short of projections.

Internal records show the symphony held more than $8 million in net assets at the end of 2022. Since then, operating costs have consistently outpaced revenues and charitable giving, steadily draining cash reserves.

On Sunday evening, musicians planned a free benefit concert at 7 p.m. at Monroe Street Abbey in downtown Phoenix to help offset lost wages and cover the costs of bringing the orchestra back together. Pasker said the community has stepped up, but more help will be needed to stabilize the organization.

She added that the symphony remains committed to delivering world-class music to the Valley while working with the board to secure the funding necessary to complete the season.

The return comes less than three weeks after financial pressures forced the organization to put its season on hold, a decision that prompted musicians to publicly call for greater financial transparency from leadership.