Riccardo Muti
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) just released its fiscal year 2013 results and they are terrific. The 2012/13 season marked the CSOA’s third consecutive year of record-breaking fundraising, with ticket sales at an all-time high. Ticket sales totaled $22.3 million for 305 CSOA-presented events at Symphony Center, a 4.5% increase over last year’s record amount of $21.4 million. Single-ticket revenue from CSO subscription series was up 15.7% over last year, with concerts sold at 82% paid capacity. In addition to ticket revenue, other earned revenue of $9.9 million was taken in from tour fees, merchandise sales, space rentals, royalties, recording fees and miscellaneous activities.
Approximately 557,000 people attended CSOA performances and presentations at Symphony Center and in other venues around Chicago last season, including 173 free events such as Civic Orchestra of Chicago concerts, the CSO’s All-Access chamber music programs, education programs and open rehearsals for students and community groups, as well as the CSO’s free performance at Millennium Park.
The CSOA ended FY13 with a record level of fundraising for the third consecutive year, raising $29.8 million in annual support – a 6% increase above last year’s total of $28.2 million. Overall fundraising totaled $52 million for FY13, which includes operating support and gifts given directly to the endowment and special projects.
« Under the leadership of Music Director Riccardo Muti, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s exceptional music making, artistic programming and community engagement initiatives continue to serve audiences of all ages and walks of life, » said Deborah F. Rutter, president of the CSOA. “This is what we are most proud of. While reaching audiences on tour and away from home is crucial to our global presence, it is serving this city that helps define our mission best—bettering the lives of our listeners through music. Our efforts to maintain stable operations while increasing earned and contributed revenue have helped us do just that.”
