Santa Clarita Symphony cancels 2009 season

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The arts economy strikes again: Because of lagging ticket sales as well as a rapid decline in individual and corporate donations, the Santa Clarita Symphony is canceling its 2009 season in what company spokesman John Dow calls a temporary move.

It’s not the first local orchestra to feel the pinch: The Orchestras of Pasadena, the umbrella organization overseeing the Pasadena Symphony and the Pasadena Pops, also recently announced concert cancellations and executive layoffs.

As part of the Santa Clarita fallout, the 75-member orchestra will withdraw from its participation in the Jan. 11 Art Garfunkel concert at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, though Garfunkel will still perform with his touring band and all tickets remain valid. (For questions, contact the box office at [661] 362-5304.) The symphony will also postpone its annual Family Concert Series, scheduled for April.

For the time being, the orchestra will continue its Children’s Petting Zoo, a music class series for youngsters that Dow says costs the orchestra about $3,000 a year to provide.

-- Diane Haithman