2009 Annual Report

Bucking trends for major orchestras and arts organisations worldwide, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has posted a surplus for the year ending 31 December 2009.

The TSO's 2009 Annual Report, one of the items on the agenda at the annual general meeting of Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Holdings Ltd held on Sunday 15 May, revealed that the TSO made a net profit for the year of $361 thousand.

"Despite the global financial crisis, the TSO received a high level of support from subscribers and other ticket buyers in 2009 and by the end of the year box office sales, contributions and funding revenues exceeded $10 million leaving us with a modest operating surplus," said Geoff Willis, TSO Chairman.

"In 2009 we gratefully received funding from the Australia Council for the Arts and the State of Tasmania under the final year of the four-year funding agreement put in place upon separation from the ABC, and we welcomed the financial assistance of sponsors, patrons and many supporters."

"Not only was 2009 a successful year financially, it showcased the breadth of the TSO's artistic achievements including a sold-out concert with Roberta Flack, the world première of Richard Mills's Passion According to St Mark and the first Tasmanian performance of Mahler's Symphony No 9 when we welcomed additional players from the Australian Youth Orchestra."

"These and other events give us every reason to be proud of the TSO's contribution to artistic vibrancy in Tasmania."

Mindful of its mission to be a source of pride for all Tasmanians, the TSO presented concerts in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Devonport, Evandale, Glenorchy, Latrobe and St Helens, and appeared for the 5th consecutive year at City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney.

In all, the TSO gave a total of 53 concerts to an audience of 51,656 including nearly 5,000 school students as part of the TSO's education program.

A new initiative in 2009 was AccessTix, a program in which TSO concert tickets are made available to disadvantaged members of the community.

Sponsored by Hydro Tasmania and operated in partnership with Reclink, AccessTix is a means by which the TSO is able to extend its reach in the community and make itself accessible to Tasmanians from all walks of life.

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra's 2009 Annual Report is available here.