After more than 100 years of performances, the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming season will be its last, reports the Post-Crescent in Wisconsin:
“It was a very difficult decision to make,” GBSO executive director Dan Linssen said in a statement released Friday. “However, we cannot continue offering high-quality, professional performances not knowing from concert to concert if we’ll be able to cover our costs.”The GBSO’s music director, Donato Cabrera [Resident Conductor of the San Francisco Symphony], has stepped down from his position, but not as a result of the announced closure, Linssen said.
“There were conflicts in some schedule dates, and he elected to step down as director,” he said.
The Green Bay organization is trying to decide what to do with its three youth orchestras, which provide performance opportunities and education to about 200 students starting in middle school. The youth String Orchestra, Philharmonia and Symphony all will maintain their 2014-15 seasons as planned and likely will continue in some capacity, according to staff.
The adult orchestra, which includes 60-some paid professional musicians, will end after a farewell season of five performances next year. They will be directed by a guest conductor from Lawrence University in Appleton.