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SSO plays final note
Posted: 04.03.2011 at 12:04 AM
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It was a bittersweet night for the musicians and supporters of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.
On Tuesday, the SSO announced the current season was suspended, and the orchestra would shut down operations. They say there simply isn't enough money to continue with the season. Saturday night, the SSO played their last concert before musicians are laid off on Sunday.
But musicians say there still is hope. They say they've agreed to give back 8 weeks of salary and also accepted nearly a million dollars in cuts for next season.
"We've tried our best as musicians to work with the symphony to keep the symphony going," says SSO musician Jon Garland. "We've spent 50 years building it into something great, and I don't think we're ready to give up."
With the future uncertain, audience members tried their best to enjoy Saturday night's performance, hoping it isn't the last.
"People are here tonight to celebrate our symphony and honor them, honor their commitment," says symphony supporter Sarah Saulson.
Musicians say they will continue to keep talks going between themselves and SSO management.