The Nashville Symphony is suspending its 2026-27 season beginning Oct. 18 as part of a restructuring plan to address a $10 million deficit in its current fiscal year operating budget. More Local Living News
The Nashville Symphony Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution Sept. 28 declaring a “financial emergency.” The plan includes furloughing 27 full-time staff members and all 77 orchestra musicians.
Symphony leaders said the move is necessary to stabilize the organization’s finances and develop a more sustainable long-term operating model.
“The Nashville Symphony’s present circumstances demand plain speaking. For years, this institution has operated on a financial foundation that could not sustain it,” said Mark Cantrell, president and CEO of the Nashville Symphony in a release.
Cantrell, who took over as president and CEO in August, said the organization has exhausted its available cash and can no longer continue operating under its current financial structure.
“The excellence of this orchestra and the artistry of its musicians have never been in question,” Cantrell said. “Suspending concerts and furloughing colleagues impose profound hardship on people who have given this institution their talent, their labor and their trust.”
While the regular season will be suspended, several previously announced events will continue as scheduled.
Those include:
The Legendary Life of Tom Petty — Oct. 18
No Small Endeavor LIVE — Nov. 22
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas — Dec. 8
A Very Dave Barnes Christmas — Dec. 10
Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas — Dec. 11
The Symphony Ball on Dec. 12 and Symphony Fashion Show on April 27 will also proceed as planned.
Schermerhorn Symphony Center will remain open for private rentals and events during the restructuring period, and previously booked weddings and other events will not be affected.
Music Director Leonard Slatkin said his final concerts of the season will take place Oct. 16-17, but he plans to remain in his role during the restructuring.
“Although my final concerts this season will take place on October 16-17, I intend to remain the Nashville Symphony’s music director, and I am committed to walking alongside our musicians, staff, board, and community as we work toward our return,” Slatkin said.
Symphony leadership said the financial problems developed over time as expenses increasingly outpaced available revenue. Cantrell said the organization had also relied heavily on support from a single donor, a model leadership now says was not sustainable.
A broader restructuring plan will be developed in the coming months with input from senior leadership, the board and orchestra musicians. Cantrell said he has spoken with union representatives and that musicians have expressed a willingness to work with management toward a solution.
Board Chair Teresa Sebastian said the organization also plans to develop new fundraising and revenue strategies, including expanding its donor base and strengthening its long-term endowment.
“Our board’s job is to be honest about where we are and clear-eyed about what it will take to move forward, and that’s exactly what this plan represents,” Sebastian said.
Ticket holders for canceled 2026-27 season performances can apply the value of their tickets toward a future performance or convert the amount into a tax-deductible donation to the Nashville Symphony. Additional ticket questions can be directed to tickets@nashvillesymphony.org.
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