Leaders at the National Philharmonic in Montgomery County say they can no longer afford to operate.
Orchestra President Leanne Ferfolia announced in a news release Tuesday that a steady decline in funding over eight years and increases in operating costs led to the decision to halt performances.
“It is with great sadness that I must report that the National Philharmonic has to shut its doors,” Ferfolia said in the statement. “We have been an important and integral part of the community and a service to Montgomery County residents, especially the thousands of young people who were able to attend our concerts with their families for free.”
She said the closure “imperils the jobs of more than 130 union instrumental musicians, staff, and the avocation of more than 150 chorale musicians, the majority of which are Montgomery County residents.”
The National Chamber Orchestra and Masterworks Chorus merged to create the National Philharmonic in 2003 and took up residency in the Music Center at Strathmore in 2005, according to Ferfolia.
While Ferfoilia accused the county of not valuing what the orchestra brings to the region, council members thanked orchestra leaders and musicians in a Tuesday press release, but expressed disappointment about the philharmonic’s money management.
“Over the years, Montgomery County has provided more than $2.5 million to support the operations of the National Philharmonic, and it’s disappointing that the organization wasn’t able to leverage these investments into a financially sustainable model,” Council President Nancy Navarro said in a statement.
“As the County begins to look at equity across all our investments, this level of investment isn’t sustainable for one organization over the long term,” Navarro added.
County councilmembers rejected the orchestra’s request for $150,000 in additional funding for the 2020 fiscal year budget.
Councilmember and Education and Culture Committee Chair Craig Rice said in the statement that the council has increased investments and local arts, humanities, and entertainment.
The Council approved about $5.6 million in funding for arts and humanities grants in June, which was a reported increase of more than $266,000 from the last fiscal year.
This story originally appeared on WAMU.
