Memphis Symphony, Nearly Broke, Makes Plans to ‘Wind Down’

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s board has approved a resolution to “wind down” the organization’s operations after the current season unless it secures a large cash infusion, the Associated Press writes.

The symphony has already cut staff, pay, and performances in order to finish the season ending in May and needs $20-million to $25-million to continue beyond that without making major changes. Board chair Gayle Rose said the organization will be broke by April if no steps are taken.

Ms. Rose said a best-case scenario for maintaining the orchestra would involve fewer concerts and less community outreach. “We’re not just going to throw up our hands and say this is over,” she said, but added, “The structure of the symphony as we know it today must be changed because the model is no longer viable.”