A Message from the President

When I started my career in 1981 at a small theatre in Toronto we didn’t have a fundraising department or an IT staff—although we did have computers. Remember when you turned on the computer in the morning and went out to get coffee while it warmed up?

“Fundraising” consisted of the managing director writing personal letters to friends and subscribers, requesting support. This was supplemented by “special events”—pre-performance brunches in the theatre lobby several times a year. 

Today the Oregon Symphony manages a large annual fund campaign, supplemented by a planned giving program, corporate sponsorships, foundation and government grants and the work of The Friends, who recently produced our successful An Evening in St. Petersburg gala. Our board members and development staff raise millions of dollars each year. We utilize sophisticated software programs to send targeted requests and personalized acknowledgements to thousands of donors and audience members. We write grant applications and sponsorship proposals, and organize dozens of opportunities for donors to meet with Carlos and our musicians.

But why can’t we operate like a business? Why do we have to request your support, year after year?

It costs almost $15 million to maintain this professional orchestra, produce 85 concerts a year and provide a broad array of education and community engagement activities. At our current attendance levels, we’d have to charge an average of $50 more per ticket if we were to “operate like a business” and eliminate our fundraising programs.

Clearly, one way to close the funding gap is to increase attendance. If you enjoy our performances, please tell your friends. Bring them with you next time you come. Help them discover the beauty, excitement and entertainment of live orchestral concerts.

And please continue to respond generously when we ask for your support.

Thank you!

Elaine Calder
President