US Orchestra posts best results in 15 years
mainThis just in from St Louis Symphony, America’s second oldest orchestra (est.1880):
The FY15 numbers reflected continued progress, showing the most promising financial results in at least 15 years.
• The operating deficit was $1.6m, an improvement of $583k compared to the FY14 operating deficit of $2.2m. It’s the smallest deficit in at least 15 years for the St. Louis Symphony. The planned deficit is being funded by special donor contributions and the Symphony carries no accumulated deficits from prior years.
• Regular operating revenues totaled $26.6m, up from $26.1m in FY14 by 2.2%.
• Total expenses were flat with FY14 at $28.3m.
There’s still an operating deficit…
The St. Louis Symphony was in serious financial trouble about 10-12 years ago. It’s nice to see they were able to recover. They’re a great orchestra.
‘Best Financial Results = 1.6 Million in the red” ……only in the arts……Holy Crap.
“Only in the arts” ?? You’re kidding right? Do you read the business section and see companies that have never turned a profit being hailed as one of the best?
Amazon is growing at 20% CAGR and creating shareholder value. Is St.Louis doing the same? Come on now….
A false comparison between a for-profit entity and a non-profit entity.
“Not for profit” must be one of the most detrimental terms in modern society. Havinworled in this industry for years one thing is clear: PROFITS ARE NECESSARY! The only difference is that unlike the accumulation of wealth or shareholders, the profits are pushed to further the mission.
Sadly, 99% of arts managers have only on the job training of administration and fall victim of the idiotic concept that good fiscal management or growth generating strategies somehow dont apply to their organizations because they deal with “non profits”
The result? Read above. Shameful.
So?
Good for them but I wonder how the Philadelphians are faring……?
I don’t know how helpful you will find the information and it is a rather long read:
https://www.philorch.org/financial-information#/