Cash-strapped LI Philharmonic scales back 2010-11 season

Facing a serious cash crunch, the Long Island Philharmonic said yesterday that it has decided not to play a 2010-11 season - except for its annual New Year's Eve concert at Tilles Center.

"We're in the midst of reorganizing," said Philharmonic board president Jack Russell, a process he estimates will take six months. "For now, the only concerts we'll be doing are those that are sponsored or that we have reason to believe will be profitable. We've taken the prudent step of cutting back."

The decision is the latest blow to the Philharmonic. Last season's opening concert was delayed. Following three free outdoor performances, the Philharmonic announced this summer that it would delay the opening of the 2010-11 season until New Year's Eve. That concert, "Greatest Hits of Broadway," is still on, general manager Linda Morrisey said.

The orchestra's annual budget, funded by state grants, corporate and private contributions and ticket sales, has been pared from $1.5 million to $1 million.

"We have to pay down our debt," Russell said. Because of the state's budget crisis, Gov. David A. Paterson vetoed $100,000 in State Legislature members' grants. Corporate sponsorships have fallen by a quarter.

Meanwhile, Stephen Belth, the Philharmonic's executive director, has resigned and four of nine staff members have been laid off. Belth could not be reached.

Jay Blumenthal, financial vice president of Local 802 American Federation of Musicians, which represents the orchestra's contract players, declined to comment because the union is negotiating with the Philharmonic, following the contract's expiration in September. Musicians are not paid for suspended concerts, according to their contract.

"We've gone through hard times before but never like this," said Vivian Israel of Port Washington, a cellist with the Philharmonic. "I hope we can climb out of this hole."

The Philharmonic was founded in 1979 by the late Huntington folk singer Harry Chapin, along with its first music director, the late Christopher Keene, plus Long Island business leaders. Besides six or more concerts a season in various venues, the Philharmonic reaches about 30,000 Long Island school children a year through its art-in-education program.

Miller Place resident Henry Benter, a retired music teacher and 25-year Philharmonic subscriber, said he is "heartbroken" that there is no subscription season this year. "It would be an outright shame if there's no professional orchestra on Long Island."

Elliott Sroka, Tilles executive director, said, "The presence of a professional orchestra is vital to our regional identity. Culture is like produce - people will only travel so far to get it."

Lynda Moran, director of the Islip Arts Council, which sponsors the Philharmonic's free summer concert in Heckscher State Park, said, "We're looking forward to their re-emerging from this. We've already set the date, July 16, for our Salute to the Armed Forces concert" featuring the Philharmonic.