Oracle is stepping in with a $10 million investment to help the Nashville Symphony overcome a financial crisis and continue its upcoming season.
The technology company is also forming a strategic partnership with the Nashville Symphony as the nonprofit works to restructure its finances. The support will help the orchestra meet its immediate financial needs, move ahead with its 2026-27 season and bring musicians and staff back to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
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The partnership will allow the Symphony to restore its 2026-27 season, along with its full-time staff and all orchestra members who were set to be furloughed on Oct. 18 because of the financial emergency.
“Oracle’s commitment is a lifeline for the Nashville Symphony and the community we serve,” said Mark Tillinger, president and CEO, Nashville Symphony. “Oracle’s partnership gives us the ability to bring our musicians and our music back to the stage, and it gives us momentum as we build toward a stronger, more sustainable long-term future. We’re immensely grateful for Oracle’s belief in the Nashville Symphony.”
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell also welcomed Oracle’s support, saying it will help ensure the orchestra does not lose its upcoming season.
“It’s an extraordinary relief to be able to welcome a new corporate partner to arts philanthropy in Nashville,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “Oracle’s generosity ensures that the upcoming season will not be lost. For years, the Nashville Symphony has entertained fans—including me—and it’s encouraging to see the steps its new leadership is taking to ensure that remains true for years to come.”
Oracle CEO Clay Magouyrk said the company sees the Symphony as an important part of the Nashville community. Oracle is also building its new headquarters on the city’s East Bank.
“Nashville is a city that understands how music can bring people together,” said Clay Magouyrk, CEO, Oracle. “We are part of this community and understand how important cultural institutions like this are to the residents of Nashville. As Oracle builds its new headquarters on Nashville’s East Bank, we are here to help solve the community’s problems and ensure Nashville remains a vibrant place to live and work for generations to come.”
Founded in 1946, the Nashville Symphony is a nonprofit organization known for its live orchestral performances, contemporary American music and programming across different genres.
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The orchestra performs at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and reaches nearly 550,000 people across Middle Tennessee each year through free and low-cost education and community programs.
Its recordings, broadcasts and streaming activities also reach nearly 13 million listeners worldwide. The Symphony has received 14 GRAMMY Awards and 27 nominations during its recording career.
The new partnership comes as the Nashville Symphony works to build a more stable financial future while keeping its musicians on stage and its programs available to audiences.