Spokane Symphony addresses economic challenges

Jul 14, 2009

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow

SPOKANE In light of the global economic challenges, the Spokane Symphony Society has taken steps to address the recessionary impact on the Symphony. The Spokane Symphony Society Board of Trustees and the administrative staff have committed to make important expense adjustments that will result in a balanced budget for 2009-10

The Spokane Symphony went into the 2008-09 season in a strong financial position with a balanced budget for more than eight years. By mid-season, the Symphony began to feel the effects of the recession on contributions as well as ticket sales. Despite dramatic efforts on the part of the Symphony’s board, staff and supporters, the Spokane Symphony will end the fiscal year with a currently projected five percent deficit.

The 2008-09 season was one in which the orchestra reached a new high in artistic accomplishment. From the first performance of Strauss’ Alpine Symphony on opening night to a new record attendance for performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony to close, it was a season marked by artistic achievement. The highlight of the season was the Lincoln Festival and its climactic performance of Letters of Lincoln composed for the Spokane Symphony by Michael Daugherty and performed by baritone Thomas Hampson. This performance was recorded live and will be released later this year by E1 Music, making it the Symphony’s first commercial recording.

“We are moving forward, committed to maintaining our high level of excellence, with changes that will help us achieve a balanced budget for 2009-10,” said Executive Director Brenda Nienhouse as she announced the cuts necessary to reach that commitment.

Music Director Eckart Preu has worked with staff to make repertoire changes to some Classics and Casual Classics concerts. These changes will provide a significant cost saving from both music rental and hiring extra musicians. The repertoire changes are posted on www.spokanesymphony.org.

Other proactive measures include the cancellation of the Symphony on the Edge concerts for this year. Subscribers to that program will be offered an alternative to be announced. The Chamber Soirees in Post Falls have been cancelled and the Family concerts have been reduced from two to one. Watch for details on www.spokanesymphony.org.

Other expense reductions include the administrative staff taking a 20% salary cut for four months by working four-day weeks and dropping the Symphony’s match to the staff members’ 401k plan. Maestros Eckart Preu and Morihiko Nakahara have agreed to cuts as well to help defray costs.

Changes are not limited to cuts. Following a popular German tradition, Music Director Eckart Preu and the Spokane Symphony will present a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on New Year’s Eve. Based on the success of this year’s Best Fest featuring “Best Of “ concerts and Maestro’s Brew Party, an expanded Best Fest will be held next June. Details will be announced later.

"With a 64-year legacy and a very strong future, the Spokane Symphony Orchestra is one of the city's most important cultural assets," stated Ron Stanley, president of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees. "However, the SSO faces many of the same challenges that other nonprofit institutions are experiencing across the country. While we are expecting a budget shortfall at the end of the 2008-09 fiscal year we are dedicated to minimizing the adverse effects of the recession on the financial strength of the SSO."