What is the future of the Tulsa Philharmonic?

It's no secret the Tulsa Philharmonic is in financial trouble. And because of it, several concerts have been postponed. <br><br>Folks want to know when they can use their tickets. News on Six reporter

Wednesday, December 4th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

It's no secret the Tulsa Philharmonic is in financial trouble. And because of it, several concerts have been postponed.

Folks want to know when they can use their tickets. News on Six reporter Patrina Adger found some answers.

â€œI've been a love of music all my life." Bill Shambaugh is a man who enjoys the sights and sounds of the Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra. Heâ€™s been a longtime supporter and a season ticket holder for the past 40 years. "When I first came from Ft. Wayne, Indiana in 1961, I immediately bought a season ticket to the Tulsa Philharmonic and I've practically attended everything they've ever done."

Two of the shows he wanted to see were canceled in recent months. Mahler Mania and this week's Alicia DeLaRosa concert. It's one of many shows concert officials have postponed due to Philharmonic's financial problems being in the pit.

"We've canceled through January currently." Gordon Lantz is President of the Tulsa Philharmonic Board of Directors. He says there just isn't enough money to finish out the season. Ticket sales have fallen at least a quarter of million dollars below operating costs. "We want to do all that we can to honor the ticket holders who have bought tickets."

He says as far as refunds for tickets. The Tulsa Philharmonic is in debt, and has no money to payout. But Shambaugh says he's not worried about the money, he's disappointed there won't have a full season. "I would just consider the money I spent on tickets to be kind of a cash donation to the welfare and the future of the orchestra."

That's if there is a future in sight. Shambaugh hopes there is. Because as long as this music continues to play in Tulsa, he will continue to support the arts.

Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune has formed a task force in hopes of saving the arts.