66 Musicians Face Immediate Unemployment as Phoenix Symphony Suspends Season

Sixty-six Phoenix Symphony musicians will lose their jobs next week.

The orchestra's board of directors announced last week that it is suspending the remainder of the 2026-27 season. This decision follows the November 1 concert and stems from a lack of funding.

Local businesses have begun organizing support for the displaced workers. Small Giants, a Phoenix marketing agency, hosted the musicians at an office party on Wednesday night to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The group performed in the lobby as guests arrived. The event aimed to raise awareness about the musicians' situation and encourage community involvement.

Small Giants CEO Danielle Feroleto said she wanted to act after hearing the news. "For our agency we are full of creatives, and when I think about the impact that our city will have in not having a symphony [after this Friday], that's something everyone should be concerned about," Feroleto said. She created a GoFundMe page to provide direct financial assistance. The funds will help musicians pay bills, buy food, and cover other immediate needs.

Thea Humphries, a French horn player, said the group is thankful for the response. "We’re really grateful for all the support [the] community has shown," Humphries said. She noted that the musicians are impressed by how much the city of Phoenix and its residents have shown up to help.

Many orchestra members have families that were not prepared for the sudden shutdown. Tuba player Thea Cristina Cutts emphasized the years of training and auditions required to secure these positions. "We all have worked really hard to get to where we are, done a lot of training, many auditions, to play this music, and all we want to do is play," Cutts said. "We’re not going anywhere."

Community members can visit the GoFundMe page to contribute to the musicians' fund.