I am deeply troubled by the announcement that The Phoenix Symphony is suspending its season. This is not simply a financial crisis for one arts organization; it is a serious threat to the cultural vitality and reputation of our entire metropolitan community.
I attended the Symphony's opening concert on Oct. 10 and was inspired by what I experienced. The orchestra was magnificent, and its brilliant new music director designate, Paolo Bortolameolli, brought extraordinary energy, charisma and an engaging connection with the audience. His passion for music and ability to communicate that enthusiasm were infectious. Equally encouraging was the remarkable diversity of the audience itself ― a powerful reminder that great music has the ability to bring
people together across generations, backgrounds and cultures.
At a moment when the Symphony, under Bortolameolli's exciting artistic leadership, appears poised to begin a remarkable new chapter, it is heartbreaking to see its future placed in jeopardy.
The reported need for $10 million in the near term, and sustained financial support in the years ahead, is certainly significant. But in a metropolitan area of our size, wealth and aspirations, it should not be an insurmountable challenge.
The City of Phoenix, our major foundations, corporate leaders and individual philanthropists must come together and make the survival and long-term sustainability of The Phoenix Symphony a civic priority. We cannot aspire to be a great American city without supporting the cultural institutions that help define one.
This is a moment for leadership, collaboration and a meaningful commitment to the future of the arts in our community. We have an extraordinary orchestra, inspiring new artistic leadership and an audience eager to be engaged.
We must not allow this opportunity ― or this treasured cultural institution ― to slip away.
Frank Jacobson is former president and CEO of the Scottsdale Cultural Council, now Scottsdale Arts, and is currently management consultant and capital campaign director of the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: The Phoenix Symphony is too important to lose | Opinion
