Court Challenge Puts Phoenix Symphony Gift on Hold

The dispute centers on a gift from the trust of Glenn and May Tansley, a Phoenix couple who died in 2024 and 2025. A Maricopa County judge approved the donation on October 14. The trust’s successor trustees asked the court on October 22 to freeze the money and undo that approval, arguing the symphony had not disclosed its financial condition and plans to stop its season.

Two days before the symphony’s board voted unanimously on October 15 to suspend season operations, CEO Peter Kjome requested that the planned distribution go to a separate, smaller organization supporting the orchestra rather than the Symphony Association. The symphony announced the suspension on October 20. Musicians who were laid off have also called for donations to be paused until the board produces a plan for restoring the season.

The trust was established in 1992 and grew to $13 million. Half was designated for the symphony and half for the Salvation Army. Symphony leaders say the gift’s terms require the principal to remain in a permanent memorial fund, so it could not cover ordinary operating shortfalls. The organization denies misleading the trustees and says suspending performances does not mean it has ceased operating.

The orchestra reports that the $6.5 million has yet to reach it and is working to restructure its finances so performances can resume. Its final performance before the suspension is scheduled for November 1. The judge has not ruled on the trustees’ request, leaving the gift’s status unresolved.