The response was very limited, and that was a clear message. Those top donors - and I called many of them - they just felt tapped out.

The (symphony) board just decided we didn't have the cash to make payrolls at this point, and we'd better stop.

The West Valley Symphony will be eternally grateful to community members who supported the symphony over its long performing history in the Sun Cities. They are truly angels in our eyes. We only wish the outcome could have been different.

As you know, we have been struggling recently to keep our non-profit symphony orchestra afloat in the midst of a changing community and cultural environment. Symphony operational costs have risen and our donations and sponsorships are down sharply.

I worked my way through art school as an auto mechanic, doing various stuff including sanding bodywork and using Bondo filler.

We normally don't cover such ceremonies at all. But this is certainly more than a local phenomenon. These are three of the biggest names in the league.