In Friday’s (6/24) Detroit Free Press, Mark Stryker writes, “The Detroit Symphony Orchestra raised more than $3 million during a strike-shortened season in April and May while its overall number of donors increased to 4,800, a 27% jump over last year. The DSO also drew about 450 more patrons per concert compared to a typical night before the strike. DSO leaders say that the numbers, released today, show encouraging progress in the wake of the debilitating six-month musicians strike and reflect more aggressive and nuanced fund-raising strategies, pent-up demand and $20-for-all-seats pricing for the spring. The DSO has raised $8.5 million in its annual fund, $500,000 ahead of last year’s pace and closing in on the $11-million goal set before the strike. DSO Executive Vice President Paul Hogle said raising an additional $2.5 million by the end of the fiscal year on Aug. 31 will not be easy. ‘But if we can get to $10 million, that positions us well for next year,’ he said. … The DSO has instituted several new fund-raising initiatives. Direct mail and telefunding programs previously scaled back to cut costs have expanded and messaging has been retooled to emphasize the critical role of individual gifts; only 25% of DSO income derives from ticket sales.”
Posted June 24, 2011
