An Update from the Nashville Symphony
October 4, 2026 

Dear Friends, 

One week ago, we wrote to you with difficult news: the Nashville Symphony was suspending the remainder of our 2026/27 season and taking other difficult steps to address a serious financial challenge.  

Today, it is with immense joy and gratitude that we share a different kind of update. 

Oracle has made a $10 million gift to the Nashville Symphony. Because of this extraordinary partnership, our 2026/27 season will resume, and the furloughs of full-time staff and musicians previously announced will not occur. 

Ticket holders affected by the previously announced cancellations will receive an email outlining their options and any next steps. 

The past week has been difficult for our musicians, staff, and community. The uncertainty was real, and we recognize the concern and frustration it caused. We heard from many of you about what the Nashville Symphony means to you. As we restart our season, we know we have work to do to rebuild confidence, and we’re committed to earning it through our actions. 

What has not changed is the excellence of this orchestra. Our musicians are extraordinary, and we are overjoyed that their performances will continue. 

This gift from Oracle is a profound vote of confidence in the Nashville Symphony and the important role we play in the cultural fabric of our city. We are deeply grateful for their generosity, which gives us time and momentum to address our longer-term financial challenges. We will honor that investment through the difficult but necessary work of restructuring our operations, bringing our costs and revenue into balance, and strengthening our financial foundation for a sustainable future. 

Nashville deserves a flourishing orchestra, and sustaining it requires an ongoing commitment from our community. This is your orchestra. Oracle’s extraordinary gift gives us the opportunity to move forward, but continued financial support from individuals, businesses, and community partners remains essential to our future. 

We’ll keep you informed as this work progresses, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Schermerhorn Symphony Center for a phenomenal season. 

With gratitude, 

Mark Tillinger 
President and CEO 
Nashville Symphony