“The Kansas City Symphony hit several high notes in its most recent season, setting records for attendance and revenue,” writes Brian Kaberline in Wednesday’s (8/10) Kansas City Business Journal (Missouri). “The symphony reported a record of nearly $5 million in total ticket revenue for its 2015-16 season…. Perhaps more impressive, the symphony series performances sold 95 percent of available tickets, on average…. Frank Byrne, executive director of the symphony … said the attendance figures are remarkable in their timing…. Cities that open new performance venues typically see a bump in attendance the first year, followed by a continuing drop. That hasn’t happened in Kansas City, which will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts next month…. The chances of continuing that success also improved due to personnel moves. Music Director Michael Stern and Chorus Director Charles Bruffy have extended or renewed contracts through the 2019-20 season. In June, the symphony also was able to sign a new contract with its musicians. The deal came a year before the present contract was set to expire and was negotiated without attorneys. The symphony ended last season with nearly $7.3 million in donations.”
Posted August 11, 2016
Pictured: The Kansas City Symphony and Music Director Michael Stern. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
