“The Macon (GA) Symphony Orchestra will play its final concert on October 14,” states an unsigned article on Thursday’s (7/13) MusicalAmerica.com (subscription required). “The orchestra, established in 1976, reports that it has run out of funds. In a statement, Bob Veto, board president, said, ‘Our symphony, like many others, has struggled for some time now with declining ticket sales and declining corporate support, a trend that has been accelerating in recent years.’ He goes on to explain, however, ‘with an abundance of hope and optimism, we planned a complete season for 2017-18 and solicited subscriptions.’ The orchestra states, ‘Patrons are invited to contact the MSO office for a refund for the cancelled concerts and are also encouraged to consider offering the funds toward the expenses of the final concert in exchange for a tax donation receipt.’ The orchestra played four full concerts per season with a core of professional musicians, most of whom freelance in local ensembles or teach. A number of them are Atlanta Opera Orchestra members.”
Posted July 14, 2017
