The majority vote came with several abstentions, and all five musicians on the 75-member board voted "no," according to two sources.
Bankruptcy was also approved for the Academy of Music, which the orchestra owns, to protect its endowment and other assets, as well as Encore Series Inc., which operates the Philly Pops.
Concerts and business operations continue unfettered. In fact, orchestra leaders in the next few days expect to roll out a $160 million fund-raising campaign - their largest and riskiest ever - to save the orchestra from the worst-case scenario of liquidation.
Management said the bankruptcy was an unhappy but prudent step in a long-term recovery plan. Players committee chairman John Koen called the decision "really tragic." He said he worried for the orchestra's future.
"I think it was unnecessary," he said. Management "has not turned over every stone - they haven't gone to any donor outside their comfort zone - to get the broad-based support other orchestras have. I know of players who are considering auditions for other orchestras, and I hope that we will not lose the great orchestra we have. If we do, what is the point of all this? Who would care about funding a second-rate orchestra?"
Chief conductor Charles Dutoit sent this note to orchestra musicians:
"I feel overwhelmed and horrified by the events of the past few days, and I cannot yet grasp what the consequences of today's vote will be. . . . You know how much I have always cherished my relationship with all of you. I am speechless at the moment but wanted you to know that you are in my heart, in my thoughts, and I look forward to being with you again in 10 days to face these difficult times together."
