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Austin Symphony Books Increases In Subscription Sales

August 11, 2008
  • Who: The Austin Symphony Orchestra
  • Contact: Don Hill, Director of Public Relations - 476-6064 x 213

Jim Reagan, Executive Director of the Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has announced a dramatic increase of more than 15% in season subscription sales for the upcoming 2008-2009 season. This will mark the third season in a row of increased season subscriptions by the ASO. Such increases are particularly rare because of the recent trend among performing arts groups nationally to suffer subscriber loss each season. The Austin Symphony now has more than 2,700 season subscribers. That number is still growing as subscription sales will continue through August.

Reagan attributes the increase to three major factors. “We scheduled a two-year Beethoven Celebration that featured all nine Beethoven symphonies over a two year period. This encompassed our last season in Bass Concert Hall and our transition season in the Riverbend Centre. We also featured internationally renowned guest artists such as Joshua Bell, Philippe Entremont, Yefim Bronfman, Andre Watts and Evelyn Glennie during these two seasons of Beethoven.”

The third, and arguable, main attraction, was the opening of the ASO’s new performance hall. Reagan states, “The anticipation of this season’s move into the Long Center for the Performing Arts has resulted in an even more dramatic increase in subscriptions.” This inaugural season, the ASO’s 98th concert season, will feature Yo-Yo Ma, Sarah Chang, Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway, Garrick Ohlsson, and a world premiere of an ASO-commissioned piece by Christopher Theofanidis.

In related news, Reagan also announced that the ASO’s annual development fund drive has raised close to $2 million for the season. This represents a record amount. Reagan adds, “Because of this community’s generous support, we are able to keep ticket prices relatively low, while maintaining the solid financial position of the orchestra.”