No ticket refunds in the Tulsa Philharmonic's future, at least for now

The Tulsa Philharmonic's financial troubles have some people asking questions. <br><br>The group cancelled all its concerts this season, leaving some people stuck with worthless tickets. Now they

Wednesday, January 15th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The Tulsa Philharmonic's financial troubles have some people asking questions.

The group cancelled all its concerts this season, leaving some people stuck with worthless tickets. Now they want answers. News on Six reporter Patrina Adger spoke to many people who are now making refund requests. But, for now, they may be out of luck.

For decades the Tulsa Philharmonic has brought a variety of musicians and music to the city. It's also brought Tulsans, like Dorinda Mayfield, out to see concerts they probably couldn't see anywhere else. Back in September, she bought five tickets for her family to see Christian singer Michael W. Smith in concert. "The kids were looking forward to it. They listen to his music all the time."

But, the concert was cancelled. She was told to hang onto the tickets because it would be rescheduled. "I thought, 'No problem', I'll hang on to it. I don't mind waiting. I want to see it." But four months have passed, and still no concert! Now, Dorinda wants her money. But the Philharmonic is broke. The economy is bad.

Donations are down and the Philharmonicâ€™s $1-million debt is preventing customers from getting refunds. The city put together a task force in November, in hopes of finding ways to save the arts. Task Force Chairman Ken Busby says he understands ticket holders are upset about getting the run-around. "We depend on those people obviously. We care about them. They are our first priority."

But those wanting a refund for cancelled concerts won't get it, at least not now. "We do have the option of making tickets a donation which it is tax deductible." Dorinda:"$250 is a lot of money to write off and you know, donations are nice but they're not even up and running now. There's nothing." Busby told Patrina none of the concerts cancelled this year would be rescheduled this season, but there's hope for next season.

The mayor will meet with the task force Monday morning. They plan to make an announcement about the Philharmonicâ€™s future. But the city is very tight-lipped; they're not saying whether the news is good or bad news.