November 25, 2009 - Ana P. Lopes, Chair, Toronto Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors announced today that the TSO's 2008.2009 season was marked with a sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall and extensive education outreach programmes across the province. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra announced a surplus of $29,637; the fourth year of better-than-plan operations, credited to the generous support of all levels of funders and strong fiscal management during a challenging economic time. The Annual General Meeting was held at 4:00pm today in the Roy Thomson Hall North Lobby.
"The Toronto Symphony Orchestra Carnegie Hall performance, a return after a ten year absence, was both a critical and financial success," said Chair, Toronto Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors Ana P. Lopes. "The tour was fully funded through the generous support of government, corporate and private donors. Shortly after our return from Carnegie Hall, the world’s financial markets turned. Despite the challenging economic climate throughout the past season, TSO donors and funders continued to support the TSO’s concerts and education programmes, showing the important place that great orchestral music has in their lives and in this city. The TSO was buoyed by the generosity of TSO supporters from all levels, one-third of whom made additional or stretch gifts this season. That support, along with strong fiscal management from TSO President and C.E.O. Andrew Shaw, allowed the TSO to perform an artistically challenging season, within a balanced budget."
The TSO’s operating expenses for the season were $24,303,162, with revenues of $24,332,799. The surplus for the season was $29,637.
For the 2008.2009 season, earned revenue including ticket sales represented 41% of revenue; private sector donations represented 25%; government funding accounted for 21%; and gifts from the Toronto Symphony Foundation and the Toronto Symphony Volunteer Committee accounted for 9% of revenue.
TSO President and C.E.O. Andrew R. Shaw remarked, "The 2008.2009 season marks the seventh year of growth in ticket sales for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. There is an energy and excitement in the hall at performances, as the TSO offers a range programmes, from tsoundcheck to Afterworks, to ensure that excellent orchestral music is accessible to a diverse range of Torontonians. Our management team has implemented solid budgetary plans, trimming expenses to manage operations responsibly. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of all staff, the TSO continues to operate at maximum efficiency to serve the community with great orchestral performances and educational outreach without compromise."
Toronto Symphony Orchestra Music Director Peter Oundjian spoke at the meeting, saying, "I am proud of the Orchestra’s superb artistic achievements in the 2008.2009 season. Leading the fine musicians of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall was one of the most gratifying experiences so far in my tenure as Music Director. We impressed one of the most discerning audiences for orchestral music in the world, and continue to perform at that level, throughout the season here in Toronto".
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra performed 112 concerts for the general public in 2008.2009, selling 244,275 tickets. A further 27 curriculum-based programmes were performed at Roy Thomson Hall for 54,000 students, and musicians of the Orchestra reached 17,250 students with in-school programmes throughout the GTA. The Orchestra performed for an additional 11,600 students in North Bay, Timmins, Moose Factory, Moosonee, Iroquois Falls, and Fort Frances through touring initiatives.
At the Annual General Meeting, Chair, TSO Board of Directors Ana P. Lopes stepped down from her post, and the Board of Directors welcomed the new Chair, Mr. Allan S. Kimberley, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Canadian Real Estate Investment Banking, CIBC World Markets Inc.
TSO 2008.2009 season Platinum Sponsors were: Tippet-Richardson Ltd; BMO Financial Group; and Invesco Trimark.
The TSO is grateful for support for annual operating and special projects from the following agencies: the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario Arts Foundation, and the City of Toronto.
The tour to Carnegie Hall was made possible by the generous support of Porter Airlines, Leslie and Anna Dan, the Tour’s Distinguished Patrons, and Ana P. Lopes and Don Tapscott.
About the TSO: Founded in 1922, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is one of Canada’s major cultural institutions and among the top orchestras in the world. Under the leadership of Music Director Peter Oundjian, the TSO is committed to innovative programming and showcases a roster of distinguished guest artists and conductors. In addition to performances, the TSO serves the community with one of the largest musical outreach programmes in Canada, connecting students throughout Ontario with curriculum based programming. www.tso.ca
For media interviews, please contact Toronto Symphony Orchestra Senior Manager of Public Relations Laura Quinn 416.593.7769 x 232 lquinn@tso.ca
To download high-res publicity photos of the TSO and TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian, please visit: www.tso.ca/season/press/press03.cfm