CSO puts deficit behind with report of fiscal year surplus
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's long climb back to solid financial footing was confirmed with this fall's annual meeting report of a $113,000 surplus for fiscal year 2007, which ended June 30.
This is a far cry from the annual deficits between 2002 and 2005 that peaked at more than $3 million. CSO Association president Deborah Card unofficially reported the orchestra's surplus in early summer, made official with the recently released financial report.
The orchestra also announced that it had surpassed its fundraising goals, with $18.6 million raised for its annual fund -- nearly a four percent increase over fiscal year 2006. Also, ticket sales continued to rise, exceeding 85 percent of paid capacity at Symphony Center/Orchestra Hall for the second straight year.
Symphony Center was the site of more than 230 musical events, including 155 CSO concerts and more than 50 "Symphony Center Presents" programs featuring internationally-ranked artists, orchestras and chamber music ensembles.
Also, principal conductor Bernard Haitink and conductor emeritus Pierre Boulez celebrated their first full seasons in their new positions; Mark-Anthony Turnage and Osvaldo Golijov completed their first year as composers-in-residence; and the CSO took a leadership role in "Silk Road Chicago," a year-long, citywide cross-cultural initiative.
Of special interest was the launch of three media initiatives: the creation of CSO Resound, the Orchestra's new in-house record label; a return to the national airwaves with the BP Chicago Symphony Orchestra Radio Broadcast Series; and beginning in February 2007, a free video download on the CSO Web site of its "Beyond the Score" presentation of Bela Bartok's "The Miraculous Mandarin."
The download features the December 2006 concert program led by Pierre Boulez and "Beyond the Score" creative director Gerard McBurney. More than 97,000 have visited the "Miraculous Mandarin" download page at www.cso.org/beyondthescore.
"What a remarkable and historic season this was -- a season highlighted by the unparalleled music making of our great orchestra, partnerships with civic and cultural institutions across the city, significant new media initiatives and the ongoing success of our audience-development efforts," Card said.
Ravinia poster contest: Entries will be accepted through Feb. 15 for the 35th annual Ravinia Festival poster contest, sponsored by the Ravinia Women's Board.
The official judging will take place Feb. 21, with prizes for first, second and third places, along with two honorable mention awards.
The winning poster will be used to help publicize the 2008 festival and will be on sale at the Ravinia gift shop. The winning artist also will be considered for a 2008 summer graphics internship.
Winning poster designs over the years have been reproduced on the cover of the program book and season brochure, along with other promotional materials.
Last year's contest drew 150 entries from throughout the United States and overseas. Entries must be delivered no later than Feb. 15 to Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL 60035
Potential entrants can download information and official contest rules at www.ravinia.org. Questions can be e-mailed to postercompetition@ravinia.org.