Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff and Mayor Ron Nirenberg on Tuesday afternoon announced a plan aimed at incentivizing the Symphony Society of San Antonio to privately fundraise, with the goal of saving the San Antonio Symphony’s current season.
“Supporters need to understand that if this season is to be saved, their increased financial contributions are needed right now,” Wolff stated in the press release.
Next Tuesday, the Bexar County Commissioners Court will consider reallocating $350,000 from County-supported, arts-related programs to the Symphony. The funds would match “future private fundraising,” according to the news release.
“The City and County cannot solve the financial difficulties of the Symphony by ourselves,” Nirenberg stated in the announcement. “We hope to encourage patrons and corporate donors to increase their financial support.”
The 2018 City budget dedicated $614,000 to the Symphony, of which $368,400 remains. Last week’s cancellation and subsequent resurrection of the remaining season complicated issuance of the remaining funds, which were intended to support a full performance season, according to the release.
City Council will consider a plan to release the funds for operational support, provided milestones for fundraising, operations, and performances are achieved.
New Symphony Society Board Chair Kathleen Weir Vale did not respond to requests for comment on the current state of the resuscitated season of Tricentennial-related and other performances by deadline.
Tickets already held by season subscribers and advance purchases will still be valid, said Christopher Novosad, director of marketing for the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, should season performances be announced.
“Advance sales for all re-announced performances will be available,” Novosad said, adding that any advance sales for canceled shows will be refunded.
The movie-themed Symphony concerts, hosted by the Majestic Theatre, pose an exception. When the season was cancelled earlier, Ticketmaster immediately refunded those tickets, Novosad said.
