Florida Philharmonic Closes its Doors
It is said that people do not appreciate what they have until they loose it. At least the 1300 audience members at the FPO’s final concert at Spanish River on May 9 knew what they were about to loose, as they continued and continued applauding in hopes of keeping the musicians on stage for at least a few symbolic minutes longer.
In the past 19 years, the FPO has grown into the largest performing arts organization in Florida and one of the top 25 orchestras in the country. It has earned tremendous artistic respect, having christened two concert halls, won an award for Best Mahler Recording of the Year, and been invited to several festivals. However, financial problems have plagued the orchestra practically from its inception. In 1995, former Music Director James Judd stepped down to raise funds, and in 2001 and again in 2003 musicians agreed to concessions to keep the orchestra afloat.
It now appears that it was too little, too late. The FPO told players on May 9 to not report to work as of May 10. All but 5 of the 111 employees have been laid off as the Board and management decide how to resuscitate the orchestra, which has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Our hearts go out to the FPO musicians, some of whom have given nearly twenty years of their life to make the FPO a world-class orchestra. We hope members of the community realize the potential loss to south Florida and step up to the plate and do their part to bring the FPO back from the ashes.
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