Virginia Symphony reduces salaries

The Norfolk-based Virginia Symphony announced today that shortfalls in single-ticket sales and donations have left it with a $500,000 cash-flow shortage and $1 million debt.

It eliminated four positions in August and on Jan. 1 will reduce salaries of the remaining 27 staff members, including conductor JoAnn Falletta, by 20 percent, said Carla Johnson, executive director.

The Virginia Symphony gives concerts throughout the Hampton Roads area, accompanies the Virginia Opera, is heavily involved in the Virginia Arts Festival and also plays for the Virginia Ballet.

Meanwhile, the Richmond Symphony reports it finished its year in the black.

Richmond Symphony Executive Director David Fisk confirmed this evening that as of the end of its fiscal year on July 31, the orchestra was about $21,000 on the plus side. -- Walt Amacker