Fort Lauderdale, June 4,1996...The Florida Philharmonic announced today
that it has ended the 1995- 96 season with a modest surplus, the highest
levels of contributions and ticket sales in the history of the organization,
increased support from government sources and a complete overhaul of the
leadership structure.
Based on an unaudited report at the close of the 1996 fiscal year on May
31, the Philharmonic's operating expenses for the 1995-96 season were $8,958,967.
Income generated through ticket sales, contract services, gifts and grants
totaled $9,010,467, leaving a small cash surplus of $51,500. This marks
a tremendous turn around from the $ 1.6 million loss recorded for the previous
season.
Governing Council Chairman Jack Fontaine said, "We are encouraged by
our accomplishments in the 1995-96 season. Our reorganization has put us
in a position to continue to build support in our communities and I am particularly
pleased with the caliber of community leaders who have agreed to serve on
our Governing Council and Broward, Dade and Palm Beach Boards of Directors.
Major challenges remain as we begin the 1996-97 season. In the coming year,
we must substantially exceed our achievements of the year just ended. Given
the quality of the music the Florida Philharmonic delivers to our audiences,
the enthusiasm of those audiences for that music and the growing awareness
that all our communities must support the orchestra financially, I am optimistic
that we will meet the challenge. "
Core giving, including contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations,
and affiliated support groups generated $2,626,321 toward the annual fund,
surpassing last season's total of $ 1,876,624. The donor base increased
from 3,937 to 4,799. Both the level of giving and number of new donors were
accelerated by a two-year,2 to 1 $4OO OOO challenge grant from the John
S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which was met in just 8 months.
Executive Director John Graham said, "The response to the challenge
from the Knight Foundation exceeded all our expectations. The Foundation's
faith in the Orchestra was certainly justifled by the fact that we exceeded
the terms of the challenge by raising $ 1,347,949 in one year, rather than
the $800,000 originally scheduled for two years. The growth in the number
of donors, especially from our subscriber family, and the willingness of
thousands to increase their giving puts us in a very strong position to
move forward in 1996-97 to increase essential core giving to $3.4 million."
Also significant were increases in funds from local government sources.
The Philharmonic received $300,000 in special funding from Broward, Dade
and Palm Beach Counties. Monies from national, state and local government
sources totaled $890,365.
Ticket sales reached record levels and more people than ever before heard
the Florida Philharmonic during the 1995-96 season. Total sales for the
"Masterworks," "Prelude," "Pops" and "Matinee"
series reached $3,346,372 surpassing the 1994-95 season total by more than
$200,000. The largest growth was in single tickets to the "Masterworks"
series, which increased from $219,988 to $386,987 in just one year.
The 1996-97 season promises to be even more successful, with subscription
sales to the "Masterworks," "Pops" and "Prelude"
series already exceeding the 1995-96 season's sales.
The number of subscribers to the "Masterworks," "Prelude,"
"Pops" and "Matinee" series totaled 19,498 people, compared
to 18,813 during the 1994-95 season. The number of single tickets sold increased
from 19,179 to 21,897. Total paid attendance for the 1995-96 subscription
concerts was 130,065 people.
Music Director James Judd said, " My thanks to the thousands of people
who have helped the Philharmonic survive. We are certainly not yet out of
the woods, but we now have a strong platform on which to build our future.
My thanks to the musicians of the orchestra and to the many superb soloists
and conductors who have generously devoted their talents. My thanks to Jack
Fontaine, who some months ago showed confidence in taking on the role of
chairman. With enthusiastic new blood and experienced old, we are once again
on our visionary path. "
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