Los Angeles Philharmonic Cancels Hollywood Bowl and Ford Seasons

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Photo by Lisa Hirsch

March, 2017

Just a few minutes after I updated my previous posting, which was in part about musical organizations' finances, a press release from the Los Angeles Philharmonic came through, with rather breath-taking, though not really surprising, news: they're cancelling their summer seasons at the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford.

The revenue stream from the Bowl is very large and keeps the LA Phil well-funded and financially stable; note, also, that the orchestra has had exceptionally strong management since Ernest Fleischmann became executive director in 1969. The press release says that the orchestra is facing a revenue shortfall of $80 million. That's bigger than the Met's deficit of $60 million and dwarfs the losses of most other organizations as well.

I suspect that the $80 million is the reason for that measly ask of $50,000 the other week, which I found surprising. The orchestra knew that this was coming, and while they wanted to stay in the public eye, they also wanted to separate this gigantic loss from everyone else's fund-raising.

The full press release is after the cut, but here's an excerpt about what the orchestra is doing to mitigate the revenue loss:

To mitigate these losses, the LA Phil must now take additional steps to address the financial impact caused by the pandemic and is furloughing approximately 25% of its full-time non-union workforce, as well as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra through September 30, 2020, and is laying off seasonal Hollywood Bowl employees. Prior to these decisions, the Association reduced all non-essential expenses, laid off its part-time employees, instituted salary reductions of 35% in aggregate, and made the decision to draw from its endowment. These cost-saving measures will continue through the summer.   To preserve the LA Phil as it faces unprecedented financial strain, the Association is launching “Play Your Part,” a $35 million campaign. “Play Your Part” will support all of the Association’s ongoing operations and programs, including the LA Phil’s YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) program and other educational initiatives, which serve more than 150,000 youth, families, and teachers every year. As part of the overall campaign, Hollywood Bowl ticketholders will have the option of supporting what has been a summertime tradition for generations of Los Angeles families by donating the value of their tickets back to the LA Phil, raising an initial $1 million from a challenge grant from Jane and Michael Eisner. 

(The above ought to mention that Jane Eisner is one of the vice chairs of the LA Phil's board of directors. I feel it's important to highlight what board members are doing to help any organization during the current financial crisis.)

LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC CANCELS 2020  HOLLYWOOD BOWL AND THE FORD SEASONS

LOS ANGELES, CA, May 13, 2020— In response to the latest guidance of public health officials and in an effort to protect artists, audiences, and staff from the spread of COVID-19, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association is canceling the 2020 seasons at the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford. Seasons at these two Los Angeles County venues, normally scheduled from June through September, are programmed by the LA Phil and feature a wide variety of artists, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic.    The LA Phil estimates that revenues lost from these canceled concerts, as well as a portion of the orchestra’s spring season, will result in a roughly $80M budget shortfall. To mitigate these losses, the LA Phil must now take additional steps to address the financial impact caused by the pandemic and is furloughing approximately 25% of its full-time non-union workforce, as well as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra through September 30, 2020, and is laying off seasonal Hollywood Bowl employees. Prior to these decisions, the Association reduced all non-essential expenses, laid off its part-time employees, instituted salary reductions of 35% in aggregate, and made the decision to draw from its endowment. These cost-saving measures will continue through the summer.     To preserve the LA Phil as it faces unprecedented financial strain, the Association is launching “Play Your Part,” a $35 million campaign. “Play Your Part” will support all of the Association’s ongoing operations and programs, including the LA Phil’s YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) program and other educational initiatives, which serve more than 150,000 youth, families, and teachers every year. As part of the overall campaign, Hollywood Bowl ticketholders will have the option of supporting what has been a summertime tradition for generations of Los Angeles families by donating the value of their tickets back to the LA Phil, raising an initial $1 million from a challenge grant from Jane and Michael Eisner.    Chad Smith, the Association’s Chief Executive Officer, David C. Bohnett Chief Executive Officer Chair, said, “The cancellation of our summer programs and the resulting impact on our musicians and staff is devastating. We are all broken hearted by the effects of this crisis and share the disappointment of all those who look forward to the Bowl and Ford seasons every year. As we deal with this public health emergency, our task now, which we share with all of Los Angeles, is to go forward with strength and resilience, knowing we will get through this with one another’s help. The LA Phil has been here for more than one hundred years, and the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford for almost as long. We are doing what is necessary to ensure that we are all here for the next century.”     Gail Samuel, President of the Hollywood Bowl and Chief Operating Officer of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, said, “The Hollywood Bowl and The Ford are much more than performance venues. They are iconic places and represent summer traditions that have played a part in defining Los Angeles itself. It’s deeply saddening to acknowledge that the 2020 summer season is gone, but the LA Phil isn’t going anywhere. Our cultural community is among the most vibrant and creative in the world. We have every reason to look ahead with hope and confidence to next summer’s centennial celebrations at the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford.”    Thomas L. Beckmen, LA Phil Board Chair, said, “Now that these wrenching but necessary decisions have been made, all of us who understand how much the LA Phil does for Los Angeles must do what we can to bolster this great institution and keep it vital for the future. We get so much inspiration and pride from the LA Phil, whether it’s performing at Walt Disney Concert Hall or the Bowl, whether it’s reaching out to young people through YOLA or presenting diverse programs at The Ford. For everyone who can, this is a time to reciprocate and play our part.”    Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl said, “This decision makes me heartsick for all the County residents who have made the Bowl and the Ford a treasured ritual of each summer, although this is the best decision to make in the face of the threat from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board of Supervisors will continue to work closely with these great cultural institutions as we work our way through this crisis and ensure their stability for the future.”     The LA Phil will continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and will reassess the Association’s situation as necessary.    For information about donating to the LA Phil or how to manage your tickets, contact us by email at information@laphil.org or by phone at 323 850 2000 between 10am and 5pm Monday through Friday. To avoid experiencing longer than normal wait times due to heavy phone volume, we encourage you to contact us by email.    For more information about the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford, please visit the following link: Hollywood Bowl and The Ford Fact Sheet.