Gothenburg Wind Orchestra was founded in 1992. The orchestra has its home stage in Kronhuset in Gothenburg and has performed between 60 and 70 concerts every year and toured throughout the Västra Götaland region. Since November 2018, the orchestra has also been appointed to the Swedish Air Force's Music Choir.

Halves support

The Cultural Committee in the City of Gothenburg halves the operating support for 2020. And now the Göteborg Music Foundation, the orchestra's principal, believes that it is no longer possible to continue the business. The Board recommends that the operational operations be terminated in December 2020, and that the foundation is subsequently dissolved.

Following the Cultural Committee's decision, the shortage in the cash register is at least SEK 2 million, and probably the season program must be changed in order for the foundation to meet its commitments. The goal is nevertheless that the 22 musicians strong orchestra will be able to perform a number of productions and end the year with the traditional Christmas concerts in Gothenburg Cathedral.

A key player

Many have objected to the municipality's decision and expressed their support for GWO.

“Sweden's long and proud wind tradition is in jeopardy. GWO is a key player in this work and thus a concern for the whole of Sweden ”, writes Helena Wessman, principal at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm, in a post.

The foundation's decision can also be seen as a final attempt to find another financier in addition to existing sponsors.

- We make this decision to create an orderly settlement and in parallel see if there is any other possibility with a new financier or principal, says CEO Kristian Jörgensen to P4 Gothenburg.