In Tuesday’s (12/17) Des Moines Register (Iowa), Lynn Hicks writes that the Des Moines Symphony “wrapped up its 75th anniversary campaign by raising just over $10 million. That surpasses the original goal of $7.5 million…. Other signs of health: Des Moines’ ticket revenue is up 19 percent over 2009-10. Its contributed revenue is up 35 percent over that time. The symphony has watched corporate support fall, while private foundation giving has increased and individual support has remained steady…. The funds have already paid for renovations at the Temple for Performing Arts, including new offices and improvements to the Grand Hall. Next up: The symphony and Des Moines Performing Arts plan to buy a new acoustical shell for the Des Moines Civic Center stage. The shell, which wraps around the orchestra, is expected to be in place in fall 2014 and will replace the current 34-year-old shell.… The fundraising campaign has helped the group add more string players. The symphony cut back to 50 during the downturn, but it’s now using 60, [Executive Director Richard] Early said, and that means the orchestra can play a broader range of works. The increased endowment will also mean another pops concert in the 2014-15 season.”
Posted December 19, 2013
