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Gainesville Symphony Orchestra to rise from the ashes
Musicians, director to perform without pay
GSO
Jim Toopes and Vanessa Hyatt are the two remaining board members tasked with rebuilding the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra on a shoestring budget. - photo by Michelle Boaen Jameson
Last year this time, it seemed as if all was well with the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra. The group had settled into its new home on Candler Street, was gearing up for the annual Patriotic Pops Concert and was in the process of building a promising youth orchestra. A few months later, an abrupt hush fell over Gainesville when the symphony was left without a seat in a "supporting the arts" game of musical chairs.