MUSIC

In a decidedly upbeat announcement Thursday, the director of the San Jose Symphony said the ensemble raised nearly $2 million in the past year and would be able to finish its current season in the black. Executive Director Michael Allerton said the orchestra’s board was considering canceling the remaining handful of scheduled concerts but would now be able to finish the season with relative ease. Because the donations met goals written into a grant agreement, the symphony is also to receive a $200,000 “challenge” grant from Hewlett-Packard founder David Packard and his late wife, Lucile.