More hapless news, this time coming from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. In a press conference on Wednesday, Richard Simmons, chairman of the orchestra, revealed that even strong ticket sales cannot come close to balancing out the effects of the national economic crisis.

The PSO announced that ticket sales were up by roughly $40,000. Good news considering most orchestras are declaring the contrary. Unfortunately, the budget deficit is totaling nearly half a million. Fault can be attributed to a decreasing endowment, as well as the dismissal of a special tax deduction which the PSO had been cashing in on (for corporations giving to nonprofit organizations).

To help the deficit, 11 administrative jobs have been cut. Not exactly what we like to hear these days. Patrons have been more than helpful, as gifts to the orchestra total $279,000.

Hopefully this season will bring in some luck to one of the country’s top organizations. Original article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette below.

Economy took toll on symphony’s artistically bright year

Posted on October 19th, 2009 at 12:04 pm | Filed under General |