For Immediate Release
November 6, 2026
Contact: Stacey Champion | sc@champion-pr.com | 602-788-0033
PHOENIX SYMPHONY MUSICIANS RETURN TO THE STAGE NEXT WEEK
Musicians thank the community and pledge to help raise the funds to keep the orchestra playing into 2027
PHOENIX- Today, the Phoenix Symphony Board of Directors announced The Phoenix Symphony will return to the stage on Thursday, November 12, after securing enough funding to lift the suspension of the season and resume performances through December 31.
The 66 musicians were laid off without pay on November 2, the day after what was scheduled to be their final concert of the season. They are deeply grateful to the donors, audiences, and community members who stepped forward over the past two weeks to support both the Musicians of the Phoenix Symphony and the Phoenix Symphony Association, and to the thousands who watched and shared their performance of Elgar’s “Nimrod” at the end of that concert.
“We are relieved to be coming back, and we are grateful to everyone who refused to let this orchestra go silent,” said Bridget Pasker, Associate Principal Cello and Orchestra Committee Co-Chair. “Keeping the music playing past December 31 will take all of us, and the musicians are ready to do our part.”
Continuing the season into 2027 will require additional fundraising. The musicians have committed to working alongside the Symphony’s administration and Board to help raise those funds.
The musicians will be holding a benefit concert this Sunday evening, November 8, at Monroe Street Abbey in downtown Phoenix to raise funds directly for the musicians to help offset the financial hardships caused by the layoff.
The Board also announced the creation of a Commission to develop a plan for the Symphony’s long-term financial future. Two musicians will serve on it. The musicians welcome the Board’s commitment that matters involving musicians’ compensation and working conditions will remain subject to collective bargaining. Although this is a board-led initiative, the musicians are looking forward to the opportunity to provide meaningful input and make their voices heard.
“Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in America, and it deserves a world-class orchestra that grows with it,” Pasker said. “We believe the path to a sustainable future runs through growing our audiences, our donors, and our work in the community. We have a long road of trust that needs to be rebuilt for all of us, and we want to help rebuild it. That is why we need your support now more than ever, so we can stay on the stage for years to come – not just until December 31.”
Concerts resume November 12; tickets and information are available at: phoenixsymphony.org.
Phoenix Symphony Musicians: