Trustee Moves to Freeze $6.5 Million Gift to Phoenix Symphony

A $6.5 million gift to the Phoenix Symphony is now frozen by court order.

The funds come from the trust of late Valley residents Glenn and May Tansley. A Maricopa County judge approved the donation on October 14. Eight days later, on October 22, the trustee filed a motion to freeze the money and reverse the approval. The filing alleges the symphony withheld key information about its severe financial crisis.

The legal dispute erupted after the orchestra abruptly announced it would suspend its season. The organization laid off its entire roster of musicians. One musician described the news as personally and artistically devastating. The trustee argued in legal documents that the symphony did not disclose its plans to halt operations before the payout was approved.

The Phoenix Symphony rejected the claim that it misled anyone. The organization stated it intends to fight the motion in court. “We disagree with the Trustee’s characterization of the Symphony’s actions and we will respond to this motion in court shortly,” the group said. It added that suspending the season does not mean the symphony has ceased operating.

The symphony’s CEO called the timing of the announcement coincidental. Leadership maintained that the donation would not have saved the current season even if the money had been disbursed immediately. Terms in the trust, drafted in 1992, restrict the gift to a permanent memorial fund. This means the principal cannot cover day-to-day operating deficits.

The orchestra has not received the $6.5 million payout. Leaders say they are focusing on restructuring finances to resume live performances eventually. A judge has not yet ruled on the trustee’s motion. The status of the gift and the orchestra remains unresolved as both sides prepare for the next court date.