Legal Battle Threatens the Future of San Antonio Philharmonic Amid Ongoing Performances

Legal Tensions Loom Over San Antonio Philharmonic

In the vibrant city of San Antonio, music is in the air, but so are some complex legal disputes. The newly formed San Antonio Philharmonic, which celebrated its first full season in 2022, is currently facing a lawsuit from two of its early supporters. This legal battle brings up questions regarding financial commitments made to help the orchestra thrive following the closure of its predecessor, the San Antonio Symphony.

Supporters Turned Plaintiffs

The lawsuit, filed on September 17 in Bexar County’s 73rd District Court, comes from former board member David Wood and his wife Colette Holt. They are seeking $250,000 to recoup loans they made to the Philharmonic. Holt, who happens to be an attorney, expressed hopes to resolve the issue “quickly and amicably” to protect the priceless assets that they helped acquire, particularly the music library, which they believe should remain available to the community’s musicians.

Allegations and Responses

The couple alleges in their suit that the Philharmonic has failed to insure the music library and the instruments they aided in purchasing. This lawsuit has raised eyebrows within the organization, including at the top where Roberto Treviño, the Philharmonic’s Executive Director, has firmly denied the claims, asserting that these allegations are untrue. Treviño stated that the Philharmonic has retained legal counsel to handle the matter, allowing them to focus on their mission of producing world-class live performances.

Background on the Philharmonic

The San Antonio Philharmonic emerged in the wake of the San Antonio Symphony’s demise, which fell into financial troubles and ultimately closed its doors in 2022. Holt and Wood were integral to the formation of the Philharmonic, lending the musician-led group $150,000 to secure vital assets including the music library and various instruments. The agreement was structured for repayment in $15,000 increments on the anniversary of the loan each year, with a crucial condition: the payments would be forgiven as long as the orchestra remained active and held live concerts.

Financial Claims

Currently, the couple claims that the Philharmonic is failing to meet its end of the contract, citing noncompliance with live performances. Additionally, the lawsuit seeks repayment of a $45,000 interest-free loan provided by Wood in June for the purchase of a band shell, which, according to Wood’s allegations, was never acquired. Treviño countered, asserting that the band shell was indeed purchased, underscoring that the Philharmonic is confident in handling this dispute through legal channels.

Current Operations and Future Performances

As legal discussions unfold, the Philharmonic is not slowing its momentum. The orchestra kicked off its third concert season on September 13, with upcoming performances scheduled for September 27 and 28 at First Baptist Church. However, there were reports that it was challenging to glean information about their upcoming shows on their website due to ongoing updates. This has raised concerns about keeping the public informed during this legal situation.

Looking Forward

As both sides are preparing for what could be a lengthy process, it’s clear that the future holds uncertainties. Holt has emphasized the importance of preserving the assets acquired through their contributions. Meanwhile, the Philharmonic is dedicated to continuing its mission of providing exceptional musical experiences for San Antonio, amidst the backdrop of this unfolding drama.

As this situation develops, one thing is certain: the passion for music endures in San Antonio, but it now faces an unexpected and challenging legal twist. Keep a close watch on this story as it evolves!