The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

In Friday’s (1/10) Baltimore Banner, Jasmine Vaughn-Hall writes, “Thanks to the loyalty of dedicated concertgoers … plus a crop of new patrons … the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is seeing an increase in ticket sales. The number of households buying tickets or giving donations for the 2024-2025 season is up 22% compared with last year’s numbers. Paid tickets also increased 30% … The orchestra’s leadership credits the appointment of the first person of color [Jonathon Heyward] as its new music director, more accessible ticket options, and a greater diversity in community-driven programming for its growth. Of the 4,500 households that subscribe to the orchestra, one-third of them are new … The BSO balance sheet, however, is not all high notes. Total concert revenue has not returned to pre-pandemic levels…. Revenues have grown back significantly, including $6 million in fiscal year 2024 … The BSO’s increased ticket sales mirror a nationwide trend as audiences have started to return to in-person musical events over at least the last two years, according to Simon Woods, president and CEO of League of American Orchestras, an industry group devoted to helping orchestras thrive and grow. ‘I think that orchestras more than ever before are thinking very hard about how to engage deeply with their communities,’ Woods said. He added that orchestras know they must prioritize ticket sales as well as community engagement when thinking about how to provide impact and value.”