April 21, 2009 · The recession is hitting a sour note with the San Antonio Symphony. Jack Fishman, the symphony’s executive director, says the orchestra is dealing with the same economic environment that everyone is facing. “After four consecutive years of finishing the season in the black, the symphony is currently experiencing a revenue shortfall and this is caused primarily by the global economic slowdown. It’s affected all not-for-profits and for-profits everywhere,” said Fishman in an interview with Texas Public Radio.
Fishman says right now the symphony needs to raise $1.4 million dollars before the end of its fiscal year which is August 31st. Already the symphony is making budget cuts. “We have currently reduced expenses in the current season – in the 2008-2009 season – by more than $400 thousand dollars. And we are reducing next year, the 2009-2010 season, by approximately $1.5 million,” he said. The symphony has cut four positions in its front office and other cuts are planned in the budget.
Fishman says no advertised concerts will be cancelled. And he says he feels confident that the symphony will overcome this financial shortfall.
