October 22, 2012 – Today at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) Annual General Meeting, TSO Board Chair M. George Lewis reported that the 2011.2012 90th season, led by TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian, was marked by extraordinary programming and attracted a record level of attendance with an organizational high in ticket revenue. A special feature of the season was a series of three residencies showcasing some of the greatest artists performing today. The Orchestra was widely acclaimed as performing better than ever, and Jonathan Crow was appointed with great enthusiasm to fill the Tom Beck Concertmaster Chair.
Although costs in all areas were under budget and tightly controlled, and although ticket revenue and volume increased to record levels, the TSO posted an operating deficit greater than originally budgeted. This highlights a need for increased philanthropic support, which will be an organizational focus for the upcoming season.
Mr. Lewis addressed the attendees: “The energy and community support around the TSO’s 90th season was impressive, and we plan to harness this for the future success of the organization. The focus for the 2012.2013 season is an increased emphasis on fundraising to support our current operations and to build the assets of the Toronto Symphony Foundation.”
Later in the meeting, TSO President & C.E.O. Andrew R. Shaw remarked that: “The TSO has continued to adapt to the changing needs of its audience while fulfilling its artistic aspirations on an ever-higher level. With exceptional performances and a variety of programme offerings, the TSO serves the community with musical experiences that connect, transcend, and enrich.”
In the 2011.2012 season, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra performed 130 concerts (126 of these in its home, Roy Thomson Hall) for the general public, selling 224,000 tickets (up from 219,173 in 2010.2011) and maintaining an average paid attendance greater than 80% of the approximately 2,500 available seats. A further 19 curriculum-based concerts were performed at Roy Thomson Hall for over 50,000 students, and musicians of the Orchestra reached almost 10,000 students with in-school programmes throughout the GTA. Additionally, the Orchestra performed for nearly 9,000 students in Sudbury, Elliot Lake, and Sault Ste Marie as part of the TSO’s Northern Residency.
The TSO’s operating expenses for the 2011.2012 season were $25,536,906 with revenues of $24,550,586.
For the 2011.2012 season, earned revenue including ticket sales, education and other revenue represented 45% of revenue; fundraising represented 23%; government operating grants accounted for 24%; and gifts from the Toronto Symphony Foundation and the Toronto Symphony Volunteer Committee accounted for 8% of revenue.
M. George Lewis, CA, CFA, ICD.D., Group Head, RBC Wealth Management, welcomed new board members: Sonia Baxendale; John D. Cruickshank, Publisher, Toronto Star; and Christopher J. Hodgson, Group Head, Global Wealth Management, Scotiabank.
The TSO is grateful for support for annual operations and special projects from the following: The Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario Arts Foundation, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, and the City of Toronto.
About the TSO: Founded in 1922, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is one of Canada’s major cultural institutions. 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 public performances, the TSO serves the community with one of the largest musical education outreach programmes in Canada, connecting students throughout Ontario with curriculum-based programming. tso.ca
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura Quinn, Senior Manager of Public Relations 416-593-7769 x232 lquinn@tso.ca
To download high res photos of the TSO and TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian, please visit tso.ca/media