Phoenix Symphony to resume concerts on November 12

Donor commitments will allow the orchestra to perform through December 31. Continuing the 2026–27 season in January will require further fundraising.

The Phoenix Symphony will resume performances on Thursday, November 12, after securing commitments from local donors. The orchestra announced the return on Friday, November 6. Its first concert back will be a chamber performance of Brahms’s Serenade No. 1 at the Musical Instrument Museum.

The Symphony announced the suspension on October 20, citing a cash shortage after years of operating deficits. It played its last concert before the pause on November 1, and all 66 musicians were laid off without pay the following day. In a joint statement on November 2, the musicians, board and staff said a return that month was possible.

Funding through December

The musicians said the commitments will cover performances through December 31 and that they will work with the board and administration to raise the money needed to continue in January. They will also hold a benefit concert on November 8 at Monroe Street Abbey in downtown Phoenix to help musicians affected by the layoffs.

The board has formed an 11-member commission to review the Symphony’s finances and operations. It will include two musicians selected by their union and will make recommendations to the board on expenses, revenue and fundraising.