Sunset Symphony: The Finale

After 39 years, Memphis in May's Sunset Symphony performed for the last time with Mei-Ann Chen conducting the Memphis Symphony Orchestra

A great event for our city will be no more.

Why? I haven't a clue. This year was one of the "best yet." (J. Hezlep) Thanks Auto Zone!

From the air show by the Commemorative Air Force sponsored by Southern Airways.....

.....to Kallen Esperian songs, the Central High School chorus and Richard Todd Payne leading us in the tradition of the late James Hyter with the   sing along.

....to Senator Lamar Alexander's Memphis Music Medley at the baby grand. Ending, he stood to play his concluding songs----the crowd rose with him, not to mention singing "Love Me Tender" and other familiar songs as he "tickled those keys"....

.....to the glorious sunset by the mighty Mississippi, 

where patriotism is always the "main focus" and each branch of service, as always, was recognized and thanked as the symphony played "their song" which.....

....always makes this memorial weekend event so special.

Fidelity Investments and Metropolitan Bank even added expanded fireworks closing for this finale.

My question is still this....why is this the final year for "our" Sunset Symphony? Isn't it participatory enough for the MIM board? (Go Memphis, Commercial Appeal, 5/22/15, p.19)