Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra racks up another successful year
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra has recorded its ninth financial surplus. Complete details will be presented at the CPO’s Annual General Meeting today at 5 p.m. at EPCOR CENTRE’S Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby.
The CPO attributes its robust financial health to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation for managing the organization’s endowment fund, which currently sits at approximately $24 million, and the Friends of the CPO & Musical Heritage for actively soliciting capital to grow and replenish Foundation funds.
The 2010/2011 Season was a time of growth with many successes for the CPO, which is increasingly known as one of Canada’s top orchestras; both in regards to creative distinction and strong management leadership.
Season highlights include:
This season topped all records for ticket sellouts, with 27 sold-out concerts (up from 22 in the 2009/2010 Season, the previous record-holder). With diverse concert offerings that include classical giants, rock ‘n’ roll hits and family favourites, the CPO’s audience engagement continues to grow and flourish.
The Orchestra has enjoyed a growing buzz and in May 2011, it was honoured with the Calgary White Hat Award for Top Attraction, a distinction even more valued by the Orchestra because it was chosen over some top-notch Calgary competition.
Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Music Director Roberto Minczuk, now in his sixth Season with the CPO, has become known for his dramatic stage presentations and continues to elevate the artistic excellence of the Orchestra. Under his leadership and creative direction, the CPO recently released its third live recorded CD, Beethoven Symphonies 1 & 3. (Previously released CDs are Beethoven Symphonies 5 & 8 and Rhapsody in Blue: The Best of Gershwin).
Existing sponsor and donor support has been unwavering, while new supporters continue to sign on with unique initiatives. The CPO expresses its gratitude for the wonderful resources provided by all its sponsors including Season sponsors Nexen and the Calgary Herald; and donor programs including the Naomi and John Lacey Virtuoso Program (funding guest artists), the Brussa Bravo! Legacy Program (funding guest conductors), the Borak Forte Program (funding the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus), the Deboni New Works Program (funding new music commissions) and the Paul & Margaret Böeda Music Library (replenishing and building the CPO’s music library, home to over 1,400 different works).
The CPO’s Outreach and Education programming is enjoying a period of tremendous success and growth. In January, 2011, the CPO was awarded the Mayors’ Excellence Award for Curriculum Support for its mentorship program with the music department of Western Canada High School. Also under the Outreach and Education banner, the CPO performed for 9,000 elementary school children in the concert hall, over 5,000 students in schools throughout Southern Alberta, and hundreds of kids at social service agencies in Calgary.
More and more young patrons are attending the CPO and falling in love with the Classics. The Orchestra now has over 5,400 members of possibilities, which provides discounted tickets for members aged 15 to 29. The Orchestra also has a growing fan base in the cyber-world, with almost 2,000 Facebook fans and 850 Twitter followers.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Markham began his journalism career writing columns in the mid-1980s for Western People Magazine, then reported for a small Saskatchewan daily. He has spent most of his career in media and communications, likes to dabble in politics, was actively involved in economic development for many years, thinks that what goes on in the community is just as important as what happens provincially and nationally, and has a soft spot for small business (big business, not so much). Markham is a bit of a contrarian and usually has a unique take on the events of the day.
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