“For its 2015-2016 fiscal year, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association posted record ticket revenues for its CSO Main series of performances, and record single-ticket sales for that series,” writes Lisa Bertagnoli in Wednesday’s (10/26) Crain’s Chicago Business. “The orchestra, which just completed its 125th season, also posted a $1.1 million operating deficit…. The orchestra presented its year-end fiscal and artistic results at its annual meeting, held Oct. 26…. Ticket revenue for the CSO Main series, featuring the orchestra, was $15.4 million, and single-ticket sales for the series reached $6 million, both records. The subscription renewal rate for the series was 90 percent, up from 89 percent for the season prior…. Contributed revenues reached $40 million, compared with $36 million the year prior…. Operating revenue totaled $71.9 million and operating expenses, $73 million, leaving an operating deficit of $1.1 million. For the year prior, the deficit was $1.3 million. The orchestra association’s endowment ended the fiscal year at $271 million, down from $282 million.… Artistically, the year was a big one…. The orchestra and Civic Orchestra of Chicago presented 125 performances around the city, in honor of the [CSO’s 125th] anniversary, and published a book, Chicago Symphony Orchestra: 125 Moments.”
Posted October 28, 2016
