Last Symphony Notes Have Faded

* I have played my last concert with the Ventura County Symphony. I had played bass with the orchestra for the past 13 years, the last eight as principal bassist.

The sense of sadness was overwhelming because I knew I was playing for the funeral of the Ventura County Symphony. The mood of my colleagues was the same. After 30-plus years of painstakingly building the orchestra, and in three short years it’s gone. Just like that. We thought it would go on forever. We never knew what was coming until it was too late. I suspect the same can be said for the audience and community.

I thank all the loyal patrons for their support. Knowing that I have contributed positively to the community through my playing is an honor. It has been a privilege to have worked with the many wonderful musicians over the years who have contributed their time and expertise. I will go on with my endeavors despite this, but I wonder what will be the long-term impact of this decision on the community. For it is they that will decide if this new orchestra is what they want in their community by patronizing or abandoning it.

LUCY R. SALAZAR

Simi Valley