Without a suitable venue for its diamond anniversary season next year, Chamber Music New Zealand chief executive Euan Murdoch said the organisation would seek compensation from the council over loss of earnings.
That compensation was expected to be in the "tens of thousands", he said.
On Wednesday, the council announced it would no longer be able to hold major events during the $45 million redevelopment of the town hall, citing health and safety concerns and possible construction delays.
But the news was not welcomed by Chamber Music, with five of its six 2010 season concerts affected by the decision.
The lack of consultation from the council was disappointing, Mr Murdoch said.
His group was told of the decision on Tuesday.
The 60th anniversary season had been three years in the making, and Mr Murdoch said "everything will be done to ensure that celebrations are not hampered in any way".
Mr Murdoch, who will be in Dunedin this weekend, requested a meeting with Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin, deputy mayor Syd Brown and chief executive Jim Harland to discuss the issue.
None was available, he said.
Alternative venues suggested by the council were not appropriate and if Chamber Music accepted an inferior venue it ran the risk of ruining its international reputation, Mr Murdoch said.
There were about 200 subscribers in Dunedin concerned about the 2010 season, which includes a March visit from the Russian Borodin Quartet, he said.
DCC strategy and development general manager Kate Styles said she was aware of the concerns and the council was working to appease affected groups.
Mrs Styles declined to comment about possible compensation payouts.
The University of Otago, with eight graduation ceremonies, and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, were some of the other organisations affected by the closure.
Construction work on the Municipal Chambers and the Glenroy Auditorium would begin in March, and the Town Hall from May.
The project is expected to be completed by late 2011.
