“The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has struck a chord both artistically and financially with its supporters,” writes James Fink in Wednesday’s (9/13) Buffalo Business First (Buffalo, N.Y.). “In its just-completed fiscal year, the orchestra saw attendance increase by more than 11.5 percent to a record 212,114 people attending at least one of its 129 performances…. ‘It was a fantastic year for so many reasons,’ said Dan Hart, executive director. The orchestra finished its 2016-2017 fiscal year … with $11.6 million in revenues and almost the same amount in expenses…. ‘a very slight surplus,’ said [board chairman] Stephen Smith…. The orchestra generated $4.3 million…. Earned revenue topped off at $4.4 million…. Government and public contributions accounted for $1.15 million [in] revenues while endowment income was $1.75 million…. The largest [expense] was $7.2 million allocated for paying the orchestra, its guest artists and visiting conductors…. Classics [concerts] attracted 45,617 music lovers while the rock or pops concerts drew 43,125 patrons. Education shows attracted 51,573 students…. ‘In 2004, we had just 14,000 students attend those shows,’ … Hart said. The summer shows attracted 55,335 including large crowds at a June 30 Canalside show and the July 28 ‘Enlighten’ concert at the Hotel Henry.”
Posted September 15, 2017
