San Antonio, Texas, January 6, 2026
The San Antonio Philharmonic has announced the cancellation of its concerts scheduled for January 16 and 17 due to financial difficulties. This marks the third series of cancellations since December, following the Holiday Pops and New Year’s Eve shows. The orchestra is currently seeking additional funding and working to resolve legal disputes with its venue, the Scottish Rite, which has issued an eviction notice for alleged violations of their co-ownership agreement.
San Antonio Philharmonic Cancels Upcoming Performances Amid Financial Struggles
San Antonio, Texas – The San Antonio Philharmonic has canceled its scheduled performances on January 16 and 17, citing financial difficulties that prevent the organization from covering the costs associated with staging the concerts. This decision marks the third set of concert cancellations since December, following the earlier scrapping of the Holiday Pops and New Year’s Eve shows. The orchestra’s leadership is actively seeking additional funding to resume performances as soon as possible.
Financial Challenges and Venue Issues
The Philharmonic’s financial woes are compounded by legal disputes with the Scottish Rite, the venue that has been central to the orchestra’s plans for long-term stability. In November, the Scottish Rite issued an eviction notice, demanding that the Philharmonic vacate the building by the end of the week. The eviction letter also outlined terms for limited access to the building for rehearsals and performances, with fees set below market value to facilitate the orchestra’s transition to a new location. The Scottish Rite alleges that the Philharmonic violated their co-ownership agreement by failing to make the required initial investment for the venue’s restoration and by using the building without compensation after missing multiple payments. The Scottish Rite has filed a petition in Bexar County District Court seeking clarification on the status of their agreement and requesting sole authority to sell the auditorium. The Philharmonic’s legal team is currently reviewing the matter and plans to respond accordingly.
Background on the San Antonio Philharmonic
The San Antonio Philharmonic emerged from the dissolution of the San Antonio Symphony in 2022, which faced its own financial challenges, including a prolonged labor dispute and eventual bankruptcy. The Philharmonic has been striving to establish itself as a stable and enduring institution in the San Antonio arts community. However, it continues to grapple with financial instability, as evidenced by the recent concert cancellations and ongoing legal disputes. The organization is committed to rebuilding relationships with donors and securing the necessary funding to continue providing musical performances to the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What performances has the San Antonio Philharmonic canceled?
The San Antonio Philharmonic has canceled its scheduled performances on January 16 and 17 due to financial difficulties. This follows the earlier cancellation of the Holiday Pops and New Year’s Eve concerts in December.
Why did the Scottish Rite issue an eviction notice to the Philharmonic?
The Scottish Rite alleges that the San Antonio Philharmonic violated their co-ownership agreement by failing to make the required initial investment for the venue’s restoration and by using the building without compensation after missing multiple payments. The Scottish Rite has filed a petition in Bexar County District Court seeking clarification on the status of their agreement and requesting sole authority to sell the auditorium.
What is the San Antonio Philharmonic’s plan moving forward?
The San Antonio Philharmonic is actively seeking additional funding to resume performances as soon as possible. The organization’s leadership is committed to rebuilding relationships with donors and securing the necessary resources to continue providing musical performances to the community.
Key Features of the San Antonio Philharmonic’s Situation
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Concert Cancellations | January 16 and 17 performances canceled; Holiday Pops and New Year’s Eve concerts also canceled in December. |
| Financial Challenges | Inability to cover concert staging costs; seeking additional funding sources. |
| Venue Dispute | Eviction notice from Scottish Rite; legal disputes over co-ownership agreement and venue usage. |
| Organizational Background | Formed after the dissolution of the San Antonio Symphony in 2022; striving for stability in the arts community. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
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