Meet me in St Louis, the orch is having a record year

press release, just in:

(ST. LOUIS – November 14, 2016) – At its Annual Meeting today, the St. Louis Symphony celebrated its significant artistic achievements and community impact during the 2015/16 season. The Symphony also reported the strongest financial results in many years and balanced cash operating budget for the first time this century.

Barry Beracha, Chairman of the St. Louis Symphony Board of Trustees, said: “The fact that we enjoy a world class orchestra in St. Louis is a testament to the devoted work and commitment of many people.  Thanks to our growing audiences and generous donors and sponsors, we just completed one of the most successful years in recent Symphony history.”

The Symphony announced significant increases in both attendance and ticket revenue during its 2015/16 season. Overall ticket revenue increased by nearly 4%, to $6.87 million. Live at Powell Hall concert attendance and sales reached their highest numbers since the inception of the series in 2010. And counter to the experience of many American orchestras, classical audiences and sales in St. Louis increased for the second consecutive year.

The Symphony also reported solid growth in philanthropic support. FY16 produced its best ever Annual Campaign total of $7.68 million from 5,394 donors — 30% whom were new. Impressive results were also achieved in building the St. Louis Symphony’s Endowment Trust. Significant contributions have been received over the past three years as part of ongoing efforts to secure endowment funding commensurate with the orchestra’s needs. As of August 31, 2016, endowment related assets under management exceeded $200 million.