The Virginia Symphony announced yesterday that the economic downturn has created a threatening situation for the orchestra. “Shortfalls in single-ticket sales and unrealized donations have left the Virginia Symphony with a current $500,000 cash-flow shortage and a $1 million debt,“ said Carla Johnson, executive director. The symphony 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.

On Friday night, the Richmond Symphony begins its quest for a new music director under the baton of Mikhail Agrest. He is the first of nine candidates in line for maestro Mark Russell Smith’s position beginning with the 2010-11 season.