Jacksonville Symphony Prepares For The Future

From The JAX Chamber:

July 1, 2020

During the month of July, most full-time staff of the Jacksonville Symphony will take furloughs of up to a 10% pay cut. The furloughs come after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Symphony to cancel 30 concerts in its 2019/20 season, including the orchestra’s much anticipated tour to Washington, D.C. for SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras. The pandemic’s impact will carry into the 2020/21 season, leading to the temporary staff furloughs.

The original 2020/21 operating budget would have been at $12.1 million. Due to COVID-19, the budget has been slashed to $9.6 million, a 20% decrease, and the lowest in six seasons. Payroll reductions represent a savings of $1.4 million. As the necessity for physically distancing in Jacoby Symphony Hall becomes more and more of a reality, the capacity will drop from 1,796 to 622 seats, resulting in a projected loss of $1.5 million in ticket sales.

“This was obviously a very difficult decision to make,” says Steven Libman, President & CEO. “Due to a decreased operating budget, temporary furloughs are a necessary step. That being said, we are still looking forward to having our opening night concert on September 26 when we can safely perform for the Jacksonville community again. We are deeply grateful to our patrons who continue to fulfill their pledges, make donations, and support the Jacksonville Symphony.”

Patrons with questions regarding tickets for the 2020/21 season can still call the Symphony Box Office at 904.354.5547. The Symphony asks that patrons be patient as the limited staff work through emails and voicemails to make sure all questions are answered.

The Symphony will continue to stream concerts on Facebook, YouTube, and the Symphony website. Community members can hear the Jacksonville Symphony on Friday evenings at 8 p.m.

Streaming Schedule:

• Friday, July 10
• Friday, July 17
• Friday, July 24
• Friday, July 31

To support the Jacksonville Symphony during this difficult time patrons can:

• Make a donation through the website here.
• Receive additional information about the Jacksonville Symphony via social media, and the web site, where patrons can sign up to be added to the email list.
• Tune into streams on Friday evenings and share with friends and family.

This press release was produced by The JAX Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.