San Antonio Philharmonic Postpones October Concerts 

The orchestra has withdrawn its upcoming concerts as its legal team handles a lawsuit brought by two major funders

The San Antonio Philharmonic has postponed its Classics III series concerts scheduled for October 18–19, which would have featured pianist Jon Kimura Parker in Gershwin’s Piano Concerto. 

According to the San Antonio Report, the philharmonic’s Executive Director Roberto Treviño and Music Director Jeffrey Kahane explained in a letter to musicians dated October 1, 2024, that the concert postponement was “in response to the financial impact and challenges that have arisen from a disinformation campaign.”

The letter added that the cancellation allows them “the essential time needed to navigate these issues effectively, raise the necessary capital, and work toward preserving the integrity of our entire season,” and that “it may be difficult to guarantee the full season as initially planned.” No alternate dates for the concerts were given.

This news comes as the philharmonic was reportedly sued by two major funders for over $180,000, KSAT News reported. The claimants are demanding an immediate repayment including interest and attorney’s fees, after alleging the orchestra defaulted on two loans. 

The lawsuit came two days before the City of San Antonio’s unanimous budget approval for the orchestra, including a confirmed $111,055 for the 2025 fiscal year. 

As stated in the San Antonio Report, the above figure was less than a potential addition of $288,945, which was removed from consideration the day prior to the City Council’s vote. 

“There’s certainly an impact,” Treviño said when asked if the council’s decisions played a factor in the postponements. “And so we’re making our adjustments so that we can ensure that we’re planning accordingly, and making sure that we’re creating the best possible chance to put on a full season.”

In September, the San Antonio Philharmonic also reached a new two-year collective bargaining agreement with its musicians, which includes wage increases and allows for postponement and cancellation of concerts as needed, Treviño explained.

He added that the musicians are paid per concert as the performances occur and that the staff would be able to continue their work as the organization prepares for its new season. 

“This is where staff is really kicking into overdrive to make these adjustments,” Treviño continued. “To study how to be as strategically smart as possible, on our marketing, on our ticket sales, utilizing everything we have available to us to get ourselves ready and set up for some incredible concerts.”

The orchestra’s Beethoven Ninth Symphony concert from November 16–17, 2024, will go ahead as planned, as will concerts in December and January, featuring works by Tchaikovsky and music from Selena Vive.

“We’ve got our work cut out for us,” Treviño told the San Antonio Report. “Staff is working very hard to make sure people are aware and we can get the ticket sales to every corner of this community. … We’re offering something quite special that this community has been looking for. It’s tailor-made for San Antonio.”