Beleaguered Symphony Offered Gift From Anonymous Source

New West Symphony officials on Friday announced that an anonymous donor is offering $30,000 with the hope that other contributors will match the sum.

It was welcomed news to the 3-year-old orchestra, which has made several programming cuts in recent weeks to stay in the black.

“I think this gift represents the faith the community has in the New West Symphony,” symphony president Bill Bang said in a statement announcing the pledge.

New West Symphony patrons who bought tickets for a Sunday concert that was canceled will get their money back, orchestra officials said.

To save money, the orchestra canceled the Thousand Oaks program, which was to feature composer Lou Harrison and music he wrote for Western and Indonesian instruments.

New West officials said they mistakenly announced earlier this week no refunds would be given. Patrons will be reimbursed, New West officials said.

The orchestra also plans to reschedule the program for next fall, officials said.

With an annual budget of $1.1 million, the orchestra is the largest of Ventura County’s professional orchestras. Others include the Conejo Valley Symphony Orchestra and the Channel Islands Symphony Orchestra.