For nearly 40 years, the Desert Symphony has been part of the cultural life of the Coachella Valley. Now, the organization says there will be no 2026-27 season, leaving its future uncertain and raising a familiar question for communities that want to preserve their arts and culture: Who should step in when a longtime institution is struggling?
The Desert Symphony cited funding and economic challenges for the decision. The organization has also faced declining ticket sales and an aging audience, challenges that are affecting traditional arts organizations well beyond the Coachella Valley.
On the Roggin Report, contributor Jerry Granata said the issue hits close to home. A former musician and symphonic player, Granata said he has personally seen what happens when symphonies lose their funding.
But emotional connections alone, he argued, should not automatically mean taxpayers have to rescue an organization.
“These organizations should not necessarily be funded just because they're losing money,” Granata said. “This is also a business, and it has to be run as such.”
Drewvy agreed that watching a longtime cultural institution struggle is difficult, particularly for people involved in the arts community. But rather than relying entirely on taxpayers or city government, Drewvy suggested organizations explore grants available through cities and the state.
The conversation also turned to why traditional arts organizations may be losing audiences. Drewvy said changing tastes and the rising cost of entertainment could both be factors.
Granata agreed that both issues may be playing a role, arguing that symphonies have to find ways to remain relevant and attract younger audiences.
He pointed to an interesting possibility: reaching young people through the places where they already encounter classical music, including video games, and using shorter or streaming-style offerings as a way to eventually bring new audiences into live performances.
For the Coachella Valley, the Desert Symphony’s decision is more than the loss of a season. It raises a broader question about the future of traditional arts organizations and whether preserving nearly four decades of local cultural history requires public support, private funding, or a willingness to change with the times.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
August 20, 2026
