Hutchinson Symphony in Kansas to Close at End of Current Season

In Thursday’s (3/14) KAKE ABC (Wichita, Kansas), Cameron Burnett reports, “The Hutchinson Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors announced Saturday that the symphony will be closing at the end of the 2023-2024 season. The closure of the symphony was announced in a statement signed by Association Board President Dianne Blick, Treasurer Kerry Robinson, Secretary Jacque Roberts, and At Large members Bruce Boyd and Martha Fee. ‘This has been a difficult decision, and there has been much effort expended to try to find ways to continue the mission,’ the letter says…. The Board cited a variety of factors that contributed to the decision to close, including a diminishing patron base and lack of new season subscribers. The Board also said the volunteer leadership group has ‘declined in number,’ and feels that they do not have a sufficient level of expertise in grant writing, marketing, and fundraising to maintain the contributions and grants needed for the Symphony…. The Symphony was founded in 1964 … and held regular season concerts and ‘School Swing’ concerts. The Symphony performed annually in June at the Dillon Nature Center as part of the free music series. The final performances by the Hutchinson Symphony will take place at the Historic Hutchinson Fox Theatre.”