The Philharmonic Society has temporarily disbanded until September due to internal issues the Society has faced recently.

In an e-mail obtained by ,members were informed that the current executive voluntarily resigned at a meeting on January 30. The e-mail, written by Toni Davis, a flautist for the Philharmonic, stated that ?it was not possible to elect another group of people to carry on the work of the Society for a variety of reasons?.

Members were informed by e-mail that the Society will be ?inactive? for the next six months beginning on February 12. The e-mail stated the Society was forced to make this decision for a variety of reasons including a lack of volunteers, music librarian and membership secretary. The Society?s auditor also confirmed that the organisation was in a weak financial state at the January meeting.

One of the core reasons for the Society?s declaring itself inactive is that choir members had ?diminished? and the amateur orchestra members had ?difficulty rehearsing without professionals present?, the e-mail stated. Members were also informed that former musical director Dr. Gary Burgess had resigned from his position.

Ms Davis told members that the Society is a vital part of the Island?s music community.

?The Philharmonic Society has a very important role to play in the development of serious instrumental music students many of whom thoroughly enjoy and benefit from the experience of playing with their teachers in the orchestra,? she said. ?This is what the Society is all about. Perhaps over the years, we have lost sight of the real aim of the organisation and perhaps it is now time to redress this.?

During the January meeting a team of four members were chosen to explore the possibility of recreating the Society in September or a later date. The new team is led by Brian Northcott and consists of Shari Poe, Jane Lee and Ron Johnson. The team?s first job will be to advertise locally for a new Directory of Music.

Mr. Northcott said he did not which to expand on the themes of the email, though he did make a brief comment. ?We have a committee looking into all aspects of the Society and hopefully, in the near future, we will come up with proposals and solutions,? he said. He also confirmed that concerts that are usually performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir would not happen at this time.