CAMILLUS -- The bittersweet sound of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra filled West Genesee High School Wednesday night.
"I had seasons tickets and my heart is just broken, I want them to come back," said Sandy Smith.
The musicians put on a free concert to thank the SSO's fans who supported the symphony as it struggled to keep the music playing, in the wake of it's finances falling out of harmony. After raising thousands in community donations to keep the orchestra going, it had to file for bankruptcy in early April and cancelled the rest of it's season.
Daniel Hege was the longtime conductor of the symphony. He says the loss of the orchestra will be a devastating blow for the community. But he's optimistic another orchestra will soon be playing music in Central New York again "I think the community wants symphonic music," said Hege. "You don't have to think when you hear the music. It's very deep, and abstract and beautiful."
It was hard to find an empty seat in the auditorium as the SSO played some of it's last notes, striking a chord with the community.
"I've been coming since it seems the beginning of time, and it's a hole in my life, and a hole in the community not to have classical music," said Sally Harrington.
And as the curtain closed on the orchestra Wenesday, many in the crowd are left hoping they'll hear more music soon. When the symphony's board voted in early April to file for Chapter 7 it said another, more sustainable, symphony could form in the future without being burdened by $5.5 million in debt, $2.5 million in unfunded pension costs or a complex union contract.
To listen to some of the symphony's music, click on the video link above. Also leave your comments below, did you enjoy the SSO? Many say the music adds to the culture of CNY, do you think it will take a hit now that the symphony is silenced?
