By Brenna Eller
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Symphony Association Board of Directors announced on Saturday, March 9, that the Hutchinson Symphony Association will be closing at the end of the 2023-2024 season.
The news of the symphony’s closure was shared in a statement signed by Association Board President Dianne Blick, Treasurer Kerry Robinson, Secretary Jacque Roberts, and At Large members Bruce Boyd and Martha Fee.
“This has been a difficult decision, and there has been much effort expended to try to find ways to continue the mission,” the Board shared. “Many loyal donors have reached deep into their pockets, and many have given a great deal of time and energy to make the Hutchinson Symphony what it has been.”
The Board explained some of the factors that led to the overall decision to close the Symphony, including the fact that its patron base has diminished over the years as well as the number of new season subscribers. The volunteer leadership group has also gotten smaller in numbers, and the Board doesn’t feel that they have a sufficient enough level of expertise in grant writing, marketing and fundraising to maintain the contributions and grants needed for the Symphony.
Currently many orchestra musicians travel from considerable distances to play, which has caused operation costs to go up. With less musicians than normal being from Hutchinson, the Symphony has had less of a following as well. The Board has tried changing music from classical to pop and contemporary to bring in more public interest, but that hasn’t increased donations or ticket sales.
“As we close this chapter of our community life, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Koshgarian for building and directing an extraordinary orchestra, and to the many musicians, donors and patrons who have made the Symphony such a gem,” the Board said.
The final performances by the Hutchinson Symphony will take place at the Historic Hutchinson Fox Theatre and tickets will be available at the Fox Box Office.
- Thursday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. the orchestra performs with the Texas Tenors. (Not part of the Symphony subscription series)
- Sunday, April 7, at 3 p.m., the orchestra performs with guest artists, Acoustic Eidolon.
