Nashville Symphony Furloughs Musicians and Cancels 2026-27 Season Amid $10 Million Deficit
On September 28, the Nashville Symphony announced the furlough of all 76 orchestra members along with half of its full-time staff, leading to the cancellation of the 2026-2027 season effective October 18 due to a $10 million shortfall. First violinist Dawn Marlowe Gingrich expressed that the musicians were caught off guard. Health insurance will terminate on October 31, coinciding with the anticipated births of two members. Following the furloughs, CEO Mark Cantrell resigned and was succeeded by Mark Tillinger. Cantrell pointed to a misaligned cost structure and dependence on the late donor Martha Ingram. IRS documents reveal that expenses outpaced revenue from 2014 to 2019 and again before 2025. Musicians are exploring new job opportunities, while music director Leonard Slatkin plans to remain. Upcoming performances include 'Top Gun: Maverick In Concert' on October 7. On October 4, Oracle revealed a $10 million investment to enable the season to continue.
Key facts
- On September 28, the Nashville Symphony furloughed 76 orchestra members and about half its full-time staff.
- The 2026-2027 season was canceled effective October 18 due to a $10 million deficit.
- Musicians' health insurance will expire on October 31; two members have babies due around that time.
- CEO Mark Cantrell resigned a day after the furloughs and was replaced by Mark Tillinger.
- The symphony relied heavily on donor Martha Ingram, who died in August.
- IRS filings show expenses exceeded revenue from 2014 to 2019 and in the three years before 2025.
- In fiscal year 2025, the top two leaders earned over $1 million combined; a second violinist's base salary was $72,000.
- On October 4, Oracle announced a $10 million investment and partnership, allowing the season to move forward.
Entities
Artists
- Dawn Marlowe Gingrich
- Mark Cantrell
- Martha Ingram
- Alan D. Valentine
- Mark Tillinger
- Leonard Slatkin
- Giancarlo Guerrero
- Will Leathers
- Peter Otto
- Érik Gratton
- Audrey Gibbs
Institutions
- Nashville Symphony
- The Tennessean
- Nashville Musicians Association
- American Federation of Musicians Local 257
- Oracle
- Schermerhorn Symphony Center
- Curb Youth Orchestra
- Accelerando
- Recognize
- ProPublica
- Nonprofit Explorer
- Yahoo!
Locations
- Nashville
- United States
- Tennessee
- Germany
- New York City