Is the “Great Recession” over for orchestras?

Author

Zach Carstensen
January 06, 2010

The Saint Louis Symphony released encouraging news on the health and revenue of Saint Louis’ orchestra.  As reported in the Saint Louis Business Journal, tickets sales at the midpoint of the 2009/2010 season are up 20% from $4.34 million to $5.19 million this year.  The article also acknowledges a modest increase in contributions.  Are ticket sale jumps and contribution increases in St. Louis an anomaly, unique to the city or do they represent a broader rebound for arts organizations and symphony orchestras in general?