The Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra will shut down on June 30, after 64 years. Operational restrictions, increased performance costs and loss of state funding contributed to the decision. In other words: Republican governor DeSantis has this orchestra on his conscience, if he has one.
The orchestra was fatally hurt by DeSantis’ decision to zero out almost all arts fundings, a $143,874 loss to the organization.
The orchestra was established as the Fort Myers Symphony in 1961 as a community orchestra consisting of 24 volunteer musicians. The symphony performed concerts in community centers, schools and churches, growing a regional following. In 1981, it merged with a chorus and became the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Association.
