A relatively new player in Oregon’s classical music scene has called it quits. The Salem Symphony board voted to dissolve the organization on Aug. 31.

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The Salem Symphony in concert. Courtesy of Alexa Aimer

The symphony’s co-founder and general director Alexa Aimer said the goal was to create a new, professional ensemble. But while ticket sales were strong for the inaugural December 2016 show, the symphony couldn’t get into the black.

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“We could have people coming to our concerts, purchasing tickets, but that wasn’t going to keep us afloat," Aimer said. "We needed the help of corporate and individual donations, marketing sponsorships, foundational grants.”

Aimer said she and her husband, the symphony’s artistic director, worked on a volunteer basis. Dozens of musicians were paid for each of the symphony’s three concerts. Its ambitious programming ranged widely, from symphonic classics to film scores. The ensemble's final performance was a May event with violinist Joshua Bell.

Two shows at the Oregon State Fair and a Sept. 30 concert were canceled.

Aimer says the symphony has a few remaining liabilities, which she characterized as "a small handful of debts."

"They will be paid out," she said. "We did not expect this to happen, but we will move forward from here."

Aimer said she and her husband will work on other musical projects in the community.