NMSO musicians “shocked” by bankruptcy

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) - After finding out a day later, many through media reports , the musicians from The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra say they’re shocked by the board of director’s decision to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

“The musicians believe that the 77 year legacy can be a champion for this community,” principal harpist and NMSO 33-year veteran Anne Eisfeller.  “We believe there are untapped resources in this community and we hope to find alternatives to filing for bankruptcy.”

Other musicians couldn’t hold back their emotions.

"I have donated 25 years of my life to this organization and to this orchestra and I feel horribly disappointed with whoever is behind this decision," said NMSO Concert Master Krzyztof Zimowski. “We haven’t been paid and we were still ready to do it, to play.”

“I have been here since 1977 and this is my home.  It’s my musical home and my personal home,” Eisfeller said.

"What would this world be without beauty," said Joan Zucker, who has been a principal cellist for over 20 years.

Many of the musicians said they didn’t understand the board’s decision, despite numerous reports dating back to 2008 of the symphony’s financial troubles.  One musician called out Board of Directors Vice-Chair George Boerigter, saying that less than two weeks ago the musicians were told the symphony was headed toward Chapter 11 reorganization.  Boerigter said NMSO would had to have raised funds in order to afford Chapter 11.

“I’m shocked and devastated,” Eisfeller said.