Symphony Touts Record Sales, Balanced Budget

(photo courtesy Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra)

The Indiana Symphony Society Inc. is reporting $10.7 million in ticket sales during the 2016-2017 season, up 21 percent over the previous year. The organization says the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra ended the year with its fourth balanced budget in five years.

The ISS says total operating income for the year was just over $26 million, creating a $27,000 budget surplus for the year. ISS Board Chair Yvone Shaheen says annual fundraising hit nearly $8.9 million, breaking a four-year streak of annual contributions surpassing $9 million. 

The organization says its popular Kroger Symphony on the Prairie event also achieved record sales, jumping 34 percent over the previous year, with a record attendance of nearly 124,000 patrons. Kroger became the title sponsor of the event earlier this year after Marsh Supermarkets filed for bankruptcy.

"While we are pleased with the results of fiscal year 2017, this is not a resting point for the ISO," said Interim Chief Executive Officer Steve Hamilton. "We continue to set aggressive sales goals, seek new ways to raise and save money, and create new patron relationships – all while putting the artistic integrity of the orchestra at the forefront of every conversation."

You can view the full 2016-2017 annual report below: