MyFoxPhilly.com
(http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/sales-slump-part-of-orchestra's-woes042111?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)
PHILADELPHIA - Court filings about the Philadelphia Orchestra's bankruptcy show plummeting sales and falling donations forced the music group to seek protection from creditors.
The Philadelphia Orchestra, also known as the Fabulous Philadelphians, was founded in 1900. The orchestra traveled the world, entertained millions and recorded the soundtrack to Disney's 1940 animated feature, "Fantasia."
It also had two iconic conductors Leopold Stokowski and Eugene Ormandy, at the helm for generations.
But 111 years later, the Orchestra's Board of Directors voted to declare bankruptcy last week. Lawyers have been retained. And paperwork has been filed with the courts.
Finger-pointing aside, the hard numbers in the Chapter 11 filings show projected a deficit for their fiscal year 2011 of $14.5 million.
Declining ticket sales, eroding endowment income, decreased donations and increased operational costs are just some of the factors listed as reasons that led to this bankruptcy protection move.
For example, 2008's 'Main Season' revenue was listed at $9.9 million. Two years later, it is down to $8.1 million.
In 2008, there were 183,000 tickets sold for the "Main Season." In 2010, sales stood at about 151,000.
Musicians employed by the Orchestra are upset over what they say is a rush to file. They feel their jobs and pensions are at risk, not to mention what this the move will do to the reputation of the Philly institution.
Aside from the numbers, the orchestra is climbing an uphill battle – culturally.
The organization has started a texting campaign to grow donations. It is also planning to launch a new fundraising campaign dubbed "Listen To Your Heart." The closing sentence in a recent newsletter to their patrons states, "If you care, please do not abandon our Orchestra now—embrace us!"
The Orchestra is are hoping to snag a younger audience with the addition of Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Nézet-Séguin is 35 years-old and is currently the Orchestra's music director-designate. He will become the full-time music director in 2012.
For now, the Orchestra is seeking to redo its contract with union employees, the Kimmel Center and Philly Pops leader Peter Nero.
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