In Sunday’s (9/13) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Tom Daykin writes about the effects the economy is having on Milwaukee arts groups. “While some groups say their season ticket sales have dropped, they’re grateful that they have not tumbled drastically despite the nation’s economic trouble—including a recent unemployment rate of 9.7%, the highest since June 1983. ‘We’re just thrilled we are where we’re at,’ said Susan Loris, vice president of marketing and communications at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. The MSO, the area’s largest performing arts group, has reduced costs, including instituting pay cuts for musicians. Season ticket revenue is running about 2% behind last year’s mark, Loris said. … She said this season’s lagging subscription sales appear linked to people’s concerns about the economy. … And there has been a general shift among orchestra patrons throughout the country to more single-ticket purchases that occur closer to concert dates. Given all those factors, season ticket sales are going reasonably well, Loris said. The orchestra’s season starts this week, and new conductor and music director Edo de Waart makes his debut Sept. 26.”
Posted September 18, 2009
