Editor’s note: This story was updated to include comments received from Philharmonic CEO Roberto Treviño after press time.
After the loss of its musical director, the cancelation of multiple concerts and a dispute locking it out of what was touted to be its permanent performance space, the San Antonio Philharmonic has scrapped the remainder of its concerts this season, according to an email sent to its musicians.
“As part of the broader reconfiguration of our season, we will unfortunately need to cancel the remaining concerts as originally planned,” CEO Roberto Treviño wrote in a message obtained by the Current.
“We sincerely apologize for the impact this decision has on you. We understand that this news will bring frustration, concern, and many questions. Please know that this decision was not made lightly. The staff is working every day with great care and urgency to help the organization navigate this challenging period and move toward stability.”
The swift end to the season cancels seven more concert series scheduled between now and the end of May, from performances of Bach’s Mass in B Minor to a Fiesta pops show.
Reached by phone, Treviño said the Philharmonic still plans to hold its annual Young People’s Concerts at area schools, most likely in May. He also said he and the organization’s board are looking into other performances the full orchestra or smaller configurations could perform around town with associate conductor Filipe Tristan at the helm.
Treviño wouldn’t say how many new concerts the Philharmonic is likely to schedule, adding that the board was still looking into all of its options.
The announcement comes a week after respected conductor, pianist and educator Jeffrey Kahane, the Philharmonic’s musical director, announced he was stepping down from the role. He offered no explanation for his departure but thanked Alamo City and its fans of classical music.
In his conversation with the Current, Treviño said Kahane’s departure forced the orchestra to retool the remainder of its season since he passed a particular skill set as a pianist and orchestra leader.
“We can’t do the concerts as planned because they were tailored to Jeffrey,” he said.
Kahane’s departure hasn’t been the only recent bad news for the orchestra formed from the ashes of the now-defunct San Antonio Symphony in 2022.
Late last year, the Scottish Rite masonic lodge ordered the Philharmonic to vacate its performance space — a location the orchestra had touted just a year prior as its home.
While Treviño has repeatedly told the Current Phil is in talks with Scottish Rite to strike a new deal to remain at the site, the masons accused the orchestra in a legal filing of failing to make good on a promise to pay for $750,000 for repairs hundred-year-old hall.
Citing the lack of a performance space and financial issues, the orchestra has also canceled several performance, including its Classics VI | Symphonic Strings concerts scheduled for last weekend.
In the email to musicians, Treviño pledged to be forthright about the state of the orchestra, but hinted at work going on to improve its long-term prognosis.
“We want to be honest with you about where things stand, and at the same time assure you there is ongoing work happening behind the scenes to support the long-term health of the Philharmonic,” he wrote. “We remain confident that, with the people, the vision, and the support around us, we will be able to move forward.”
He added: “Needless to say, our office doors are open to you should you wish to talk or share your concerns. We value you not only as musicians, but as essential members of this organization and community.”
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