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.

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.

My impressions are that the board has decided that they can do what they want to without input from the membership, that they feel like they're under no supervision otherwise (and) that they're free to do whatever they want to.

This is going to stop additional bleeding (of cash).