The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra announced Wednesday that they are canceling their annual 4th of July concert.  Officials said that orchestras across the country are being forced to make tough decisions due to shrinking individual and corporate support.

Typically the concert is held at Johnstown’s Point Stadium.  The rain location for the event is the Cambria County War Memorial, which will be under construction, thus creating another challenge for the performance.

In a statement released to WTAJ, JSO Board President, John Coyle said, “Every orchestra enjoys providing an open performance at no fee for the community.  The reality of the symphony orchestra world today is that an organization that relies on corporate and individual sponsorships must, upon occasion, carefully consider its offerings and how these types of performances fit into the bigger picture, especially our ability to continue to offer them in the current environment.”

The JSO does not charge an admission cost to the 4th of July concert.  They rely on sponsorships and donations to cover the costs of the orchestra, sound, and fireworks.  It typically requires between $22,000 and $25,000 in sponsorships and donations to cover.

“Johnstown businesses and individuals are amazingly generous. Our local corporations also support the growing number of community benefit organizations in our city that are doing great work to help address the social issues that are our city is currently experiencing. Further, many of the 4th of July sponsors also provide funding for the JSO regular season,” Coyle said.  “Our priority is to make every sponsorship dollar work towards the best interest of the organization, and therefore, for all of the above reasons, we must postpone this year’s July 4 performance. We look forward to seeing you this season and at next year’s July 4th Celebration!”