Economy makes it impossible for local non-profit to raise funds for 2009.

[view:node_ad=5]Citing declining ticket sales and a drastic decline in individual and corporate donor contributions, Santa Clarita Symphony leaders have decided to cancel the 2009 symphony season.  The immediate impact of the decision is the withdrawal of the group’s participation in the upcoming, January 11, Art Garfunkel concert in the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center. In addition, the Symphony has postponed its well-received annual Family Concert scheduled for April, 2009.

“We are not going away,” said John Dow, Symphony Marketing Director, “however, it is unlikely that we will putting a symphony orchestra on the stage anytime soon.  Instead,” stressed Dow, “the Santa Clarita Symphony organization plans to introduce a Café Series, which will focus on producing smaller performances (duo, trio, quintets, etc.) in intimate settings.  The Symphony also plans to continue to offer their popular Bon Appétit series which pairs a concert with a fine dining experience, in a revised format.

“The Art Garfunkel concert will go on with Garfunkel’s own musical backup group,” said Adam Philipson, Managing Director of the Performing Arts Center who confirmed that there are only a few seats left for the Garfunkel show.

The Children’s Instrument Petting Zoo, the Santa Clarita Symphony's initiative to promote early childhood music education that has brought the excitement of playing orchestral instruments to hundreds of Santa Clarita Valley children, will continue for the time being.  A sponsor for this event is currently being sought.

The Santa Clarita Symphony is the latest casualty in an ever-growing list of arts organizations that have been devastated by economic hard times.  The Pasadena Symphony recently announced concert cancellations and layoffs and the Opera Pacific, Orange County’s only professional opera company is reportedly struggling to survive.

"This is a sad commentary on how the economic downturn is affecting the Arts and our community,” said Philipson.  “We know the founders, leaders and supporters of the Santa Clarita Symphony will take this time to regroup and come back to continue the wonderful work they have been doing for the past five years. We hope the lights will come back on soon."

                   
The Santa Clarita Symphony is a group of 75 musicians whose objective it is to present orchestral literature, regardless of genre, through professional orchestra concerts and other high-quality musical events to strengthen music education in area schools, and enrich the culture and quality of life in the Santa Clarita Valley.   www.scsymphony.com