The Des Moines Symphony reports an increase in ticket sales for its 2008-09 season, which included seven classical pairs of concerts, plus an opening-night gala and two pops concerts. In response to the current economy, the orchestra implemented a new ticket price of $15 in its lowest-price section, as well as tickets for students at half-price. Single-ticket revenue exceeded the orchestra’s 2008-09 goal by $30,000. Earned revenue and attendance increased by 25 percent and 56 percent, respectively, from the previous season. The orchestra’s New Year’s Eve pops concert, featuring Cirque de la Symphonie, sold out 2,662 seats at the Des Moines Civic Center, and three additional rows that were added sold out in 40 minutes for a total of 2,714 paid seats. In addition to its paid-attendance figures, the orchestra reports that more than 125,000 people attended its free annual Yankee Doodle Pops concert last July on the grounds of the Iowa State Capitol.
Posted May 29, 2009
