Financial troubles leave orchestra with uncertain future

SAVANNAH - A $1.2 million debt has forced the Savannah Symphony Orchestra to cut some performances this year and has left its future in doubt. <br> <br> The orchestra has postponed all its concerts in February, including an appearance by Ray Charles. None of the orchestra&#39;s musicians, conductors or other staff has been paid since a January 17 payroll shortfall. <br> <br> The rest of the performances for January were canceled. <br> <br> The orchestra isn&#39;t expected to perform until March, when executive director Paul Chambers hopes to have all the ingredients of a reorganization plan and enough financial support to keep the struggling orchestra afloat. <br> <br> He said Tuesday that the orchestra has an immediate need of $450,000 just to start up again. <br> <br> Chambers said the orchestra will cut $580,000 from its $3.4 million this year to stave off further debt. <br> <br> Financial problems have beset the 45-year-old orchestra in recent years. <br> <br> Its regular venue, the 2,566-seat Johnny Mercer Theatre, remains half-empty for its Masterworks concert series. Musicians, whose salaries comprise the largest chunk of orchestra&#39;s budget, are likely to receive pay cuts. <br> <br> Clarinetist John Warren, who&#39;s leading negotiations with the orchestra, said Chambers postponed a meeting yesterday to discuss a grievance the musicians had filed after January 17. <br> <br> The musicians, whose five-year contract ends in August, rejected the orchestra&#39;s latest proposal for a new, three-year contract.