Long Island Philharmonic Shuts Its Doors Permanently

The Long Island Philharmonic has announced that it will shut down effective immediately.

In a statement, Larry Austin, chairman, said, "This is a tragedy for all of Long Island. We did everything we could to keep the music playing, but these are tough times for arts organizations everywhere."

The Philharmonic failed to reach an agreement to renegotiate terms of a loan to allow the Philharmonic to continue paying its musicians and staff.

John Russell, president and founding member of the Philharmonic board, said, "The Philharmonic has enjoyed the support of hundreds of Long Island corporations, including a number of banks that over the years saw it as a valuable civic institution. These businesses recognized that the support of the Long Island Philharmonic was an investment in the quality of life on Long Island which helped them recruit and retain a quality workforce."

Read more here.

The Long Island Philharmonic was founded in 1979 by folk singer Harry Chapin in collaboration with Maestro Christopher Keene and several area business leaders. Since then, the orchestra has provided cultural and educational benefits of the highest level to the residents of Long Island and the surrounding boroughs. Considered young by American orchestra standards, the Philharmonic, led by its four music directors, has made significant strides in expanding its programs and offering a musical product of the highest caliber.

In recognition of its artistic achievements, the State of New York has designated the Long Island Philharmonic a "Primary Arts Organization." With an annual budget of $1 million, the orchestra is among the most respected and widely-supported regional orchestras in the nation - and the only professional symphony orchestra and chorus based on Long Island.

To post a comment, you must register and login.