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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2010
MEDIA CONTACT
Carrie Marrett
Director of Marketing
Evansville philharmonic Orchestra grows subscription base for first time in over a decade
Evansville, Indiana - After announcing a new business model and philosophy in April, the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra reaches a major milestone: successfully attaining growth in its number of season ticket subscribers. "We are extremely pleased to announce growth in our subscription base and the reverse of a downward trend which began eleven years ago. Our goal is to make the orchestra as accessible as possible and measure our success by touching more lives through music," says Glenn Roberts, executive director of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.
This time last year the Philharmonic had 1,877 season ticket subscribers. The Philharmonic ended the 2009-2010 season with 2,254 subscribers. As of Thursday, August 26, 2010, the orchestra has 2,258 subscribers for the 2010-2011 season and will continue to take season ticket orders through December.
In April the Philharmonic announced its ambition to become more accessible to the Tri-State community. The Philharmonic recognized one of the barriers preventing people from experiencing the orchestra is cost and unveiled a plan to break down that barrier. As part of its new philosophy, this season the Philharmonic's theme is "Out of This World Music...Down-To-Earth Prices". Last season, only 8% of the hall was priced at less than $25 per seat. This season, 70% of the hall will be $25 or less for full series subscribers. The Philharmonic also lowered ticket prices across the board, including tickets for premium seats in the balcony. There are no additional facility fees, service fees, or premium prices for full series subscribers. The Philharmonic also offers a money-back guarantee for new subscribers and 50% discount on Grand and Classics series subscriptions for full-time students and children.
"It's all about providing a high-quality product at a low, affordable price and people are responding," says Carrie Marrett, director of marketing for the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra. Sixty percent of the Philharmonic's current subscribers are seated in the sections priced $25 or less per concert. With lower prices, the overall ticket revenue is down $11,304 compared to this time last year. Philharmonic leaders expected this and planned to make up the difference through individual and corporate donations.
Roberts adds, "In these difficult economic times many orchestras across the country are struggling with declining audiences and at the same time trying to make a compelling case for support to secure donations. By lowering prices our objective is simple: to sell more tickets and thus make a make a strong case for support built on a growing audience." The support is evident by looking at the orchestra's Philharmonic Fund, an annual campaign used to cover operating costs. The Philharmonic Fund is up $20,948 compared to this time last year. "It's proof positive we're doing the right thing. It feels good to see the community really take ownership and embrace its orchestra," adds Marrett.
The Philharmonic's 2010-2011 "Out of This World" season begins with its Opening Night concert entitled "Red, White & Blue Jeans" on Saturday, September 11 at 8:00 p.m. at the Victory Theatre. The program is a tribute to American music and features Grammy-awarding winning violinist and composer Mark O'Connor. The line-up includes Charles Ives' Variations on "America", Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring", O'Connor's Double Violin Concerto, and George Gershwin's "An American in Paris". "Red, White & Blue Jeans" is sponsored by Atlas Van Lines.
Season and single tickets are on sale now. Season tickets may be purchased by calling the Philharmonic Box Office at (812) 425 - 5050. Single tickets to all Philharmonic events may be purchased by calling the Box Office or ordering online at http://www.evansvillephilharmonic.org/.
The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra is the largest arts institution in the Tri-State area. Throughout its 76 year history, the Philharmonic has been committed to providing high-quality music education, outreach and entertainment programs for the entire Tri-State. It is dedicated to sharing the powerful experience of live symphonic music with everyone, from pre-schoolers to the elderly.
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