Thanks, Economy. California Philharmonic Cancels Rest of Season

Conductor Jorge Mester leads the Pasadena Symphony, a group also hit by the economy last year. They had to cancel four shows and lay off 11 staff this past season (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The Cal Phil is the next local cultural institution to be hit hard enough by the economy that they've canceled the rest of their season, even though they say the two previous shows were "nearly sold-out."

“Cal Phil is just like everyone else, from major corporations to individual families - we’re tightening our belt,” explained Cal Phil Founder Dr. Victor Vener in a statement this afternoon. “But with the economic environment so uncertain, we took the steps necessary to ensure that, no matter what shape the economy is in over the next few months, our patrons can count on attending the first rate productions they have come to expect - and love - at The Arboretum and Walt Disney Concert Hall.”

Vener is referring the summer concerts that the Cal Phil has not canceled. Those are the Cal Phil Festival on the Green on Saturday evenings at The Arboretum in Arcadia and a Sunday matinee series, Cal Phil at Walt Disney Concert Hall.