Honolulu Symphony cancels remaining 2009 concerts

HONOLULU (AP) -- The oldest symphony in the nation west of the Rocky Mountains vows a comeback after filing for bankruptcy and canceling concerts for the rest of the year.
 
The Honolulu Symphony says it has accumulated $1 million in debt and doesn't have enough money to support operations into November and beyond.
 
The board of directors voted to file for Chapter 11 protection in a recent special meeting.
 
Executive director Majken Mechling says the symphony can't continue to sustain a 64-piece orchestra.
 
The symphony says ticket sales have been OK, but ticket revenue covers only 30 percent of its costs. Donations, which account for the remaining 70 percent, have fallen off in a down economy.

The 109-year-old body hopes to come back as a leaner and more efficient operation and a spokeswoman says the target is early next year.