Tennessee's Iris Orchestra to Close in 2022

The Board of Directors announced that the orchestra will suspend current operations at the end of 2021-22 season

(Photo credit: Larry Kuzniewski)

The upcoming closure comes as a result of financial and operational difficulties brought on by the pandemic.

Based in Germantown, TN, the orchestra's final concerts will take place on April 23-24, 2022. Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony will be featured on the program, as it was played during the Iris Orchestra's inaugural concert.

Founded in 2000 by Michael Stern, the orchestra was primarily funded by private contributions and institutional grants. It has been the resident professional orchestra of the Germantown Performing Arts Center.

“It’s been an extraordinary adventure,” Michael Stern said in a press release. “Above all, we at Iris are indebted to the many subscribers, donors, host families, audience members — and especially to the artists on the stage and in the community — who have made this journey together so special.”

Hosting national and international musicians and guest soloists, the orchestra also commissioned new works from American composers — and promoted local arts education for underrepresented musicians through the Iris Artists Fellowship.

To purchase tickets for the orchestra's final season, click here.