Due to financial problems, Sudbury Symphony Orchestra may not be able to complete its 2017-18 season unless it's able to bring in some significant money soon.
The announcement was made in front of audience members Saturday prior to a performance of chamber music by symphony principals and guest musicians.
Although the announcement inspired audience members to donate generously after the Feb. 24 show, SSO president Claire McChesney said it's enough to “get us to the next show,” but not enough “to get us to the end of the year.
“We're broke,” she said.
She said the symphony is in debt, but didn't want to reveal how much, as she wants to wait until she approaches government partners for grants.
But McChesney remains hopeful the board will be able to turn things around, adding she's not going to let SSO go down under her watch.
“Most branches of government we've reached out to have been very receptive,” she said. “We're really hoping they will be able to help us. We're hoping that we will get funding sufficient to allow us to finish the season. That's our goal.”
Two other major local arts organizations, Sudbury Theatre Centre and Theatre Cambrian, have also experienced financial problems of late.
Last October, the City of Greater Sudbury gave STC a $200,000 bailout so it could pay its creditors.
McChesney said the problem is that SSO's overall revenues have declined, with less people purchasing subscriptions to the symphony's full season.
“People retire and they go south for the winter or they just decide 'I don't want to commit to five or six Saturdays. I would rather just buy a ticket at the time when I know I can go,'” she said.
Past corporate sponsors want to donate, McChesney said, but with the local mining sector going through a challenging time, they're holding back.
This isn't the first time “that things have gotten a little close,” financially speaking, for SSO, McChesney said.
“I think that's the nature of things, that you have ebbs and flows,” she said.
If you're interested in donating or purchasing tickets, visit the symphony's website, or phone SSO at 705-673-1280.
