The Nashville Symphony is in financial crisis following the death of its longtime champion, Martha Ingram.
"The organization does not have sufficient cash on hand to sustain operations at its current level," according to a statement co-signed by Nashville Symphony President and CEO Mark Cantrell and Board Chair Teresa Sebastian. Cantrell only recently joined the organization in August.
As such, the symphony is “developing a restructuring plan designed to stabilize the organization and position it for stronger, more sustainable financial footing going forward and to emerge as a healthier, more resilient institution,” the statement said.
The organization shared that its board and staff are united in a shared commitment to protecting its future.
“We
are working urgently and collaboratively to chart the right path forward.”
Financial struggles aren't new for the symphony, which was facing foreclosure in 2013 when billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist Ingram led the campaign to save the organization.
Ingram helped assume a $20 million mortgage via Symplace Realty Co. to stabilize the institution, and went on to serve long-term on the Nashville Symphony Association board.
Years later, the COVID-19 pandemic created more financial problems for the symphony. In 2024 and 2025, the organization went through two rounds of layoffs.
More recently, Cantrell began his tenure and brought a “record of financial leadership, fundraising success, and thoughtful, collaborative approach" to the organization, according to a July press release sharing the hiring news.
Cantrell previously led the Colorado Symphony as CEO, plus has worked for both The Florida Orchestra and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.
When Ingram died at age 90 on Aug. 6, and the classical music community was heartbroken to lose both a community leader and the symphony's leading benefactor.
"The Nashville Symphony was profoundly shaped by Martha’s extraordinary vision, leadership, generosity, and tenacity. Quite simply, we would not be the institution we are today without her," the symphony's statement said.
"It is impossible to fully express our gratitude for all she did for the Nashville Symphony and our community. Her legacy will live on through the music we share and the people we serve."
The symphony's leaders said in the statement that they expect to share additional details soon about the plan forward.
"We are grateful for the continued support of our musicians, staff, patrons, donors, and the broader Nashville community during this pivotal time."
Audrey Gibbs is a music journalist at The Tennessean. You can reach her at agibbs@tennessean.com, and follow her on Instagram at @audreyraegibbs.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Symphony in financial crisis, exploring a 'restructuring plan'
