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The Pacific Symphony Presents Its Report to the Community

By: Oct. 15, 2014
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Dear Friends of Music and Orange County's Pacific Symphony:

Welcome to Pacific Symphony's Annual Report to the Community. We are delighted to share with you some of the musical highlights and memories of the Symphony's 2013-14 season - the 35th season of Orange County's resident professional symphony orchestra.

This past season provided many reasons for celebration. By all accounts, Pacific Symphony continues to enhance its reputation as one of America's great orchestras. Through performances of well-known repertoire, introduction of new works by some of the world's most renowned composers, and in-depth contextual programming that takes our audiences far beyond a passive listening experience, Pacific Symphony makes classical music alive and relevant to today's audiences. Over the course of the season, fourteen of our concerts were sold-out, and several of our concert series had record single ticket sales.

To assure continued financial stability, the Symphony can proudly report an all-time record in fundraising. Strong growth in our annual fund, special campaigns, and unique events all contributed to a 14% increase in overall contributed income, and allow us to cross the $10 million mark in total contributed funds. We are deeply grateful to the patrons, volunteers, family and corporate foundations, and so many others who continue to invest in a strong resident orchestra with their annual gifts. In total, the Symphony received 2,087 gifts, ranging from $1 to $2,000,000. We truly appreciate every single donation.

Ultimately, the strength of an organization might be best measured by the talent, passion, and dedication of its people. Beginning with our dedicated and generous Board of Directors and Board of Counselors, acknowledging our passionate volunteers and support groups, and calling out our talented musicians, conductors, and management staff, Pacific Symphony achieves greatness through the synergetic accomplishment of these loyal individuals. Our diverse publics, ranging from pre-school "junior conductors" at a Symphony in the Cities programs to seniors who hear the orchestra's performances through our KUSC radio broadcasts are direct beneficiaries of these efforts. But nothing surpasses the experience of nearly 100 world-class artists performing live for us in a superb acoustical setting.

Whether you have joined us recently, or are among the large group of those who have enjoyed growing up with the orchestra we thank you for your continued support.

At today's meeting we formally announced that two major gifts have been received in the past several months. Each of these gifts is in excess of $1 million, and is restricted to the Symphony's permanent endowment fund, assuring that their vision and generosity will impact future generations of Pacific Symphony audiences. We are pleased to announce that our Principal Cello Chair, held by our outstanding leader, Tim Landauer, for the past 22 years, will be named the Catherine and James Emmi Principal Cello Chair. In addition, our Principal Second Violin Chair will be named the John and Elizabeth Stahr Principal Second Violin Chair. Bridget Dolkas has been a member of the Pacific Symphony for the past sixteen years, and has served the orchestra in many creative ways.

As a relatively young orchestra, we have accomplished so much that other orchestras strive to achieve. One essential key to our future is to equal the endowments held by orchestras who have had the benefit of major gifts over several generations. These two significant gifts from the Stahrs and the Emmis will help in the growth of that endowment.

As we embark on the truly unique celebration of Carl St.Clair's 25th Anniversary Season and the 20th Anniversary of our seminal education program, the Frieda Belinfante Class Actpartnership, we look forward to welcoming you personally, and regularly, to the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall as we enjoy and celebrate this great Orange County treasure.

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