rochester philharmonic orchestra Annual Report 2006–2007 Our Vision ROCHESTER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Christopher Seaman, Music Director Jeff Tyzik, Principal Pops Conductor Michael Butterman, Principal Conductor for Education and Outreach The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair greetings: I am thrilled to have joined the RPO family of music-making and service to At this writing, plans are rapidly coming at this especially exciting time in its history. the community. together for perhaps the single-most There are many distinguishing features of transformative development since the this great organization, but two aspects What are my goals for the RPO? First founding of the RPO in 1922: stand out above all: the extraordinary and foremost, I want to ensure that the artistic level of this world-class orchestra resources are available to realize and the equally extraordinary level of Christopher’s long-range artistic vision— support the RPO receives from the the recordings, touring, commissioning, Rochester community. Those two features festivals and other special programming work hand-in-hand; each makes the other that will position the RPO at the possible. The Orchestra’s great programs forefront of American orchestras. My The 2006-07 Season came through yet again with attract ever-higher levels of community second goal is to ensure that the RPO support; and that increased support makes is on the map of classical music lovers it possible for us to reach ever higher across the country and around the world. a truly fantastic assortment of artistic accomplishments. toward our aspirations for the future. Certainly, the chart-topping success of the the renovation and expansion of our RPO’s Gershwin recording is an important beloved Eastman Theatre over the next two My message to you is about just that: the step in this direction, but it’s only the years. Beyond the bricks and mortar, the future. Although annual reports are by beginning. Technology gives us the acoustical enhancements and the superb defi nition retrospective in nature, it seemed opportunity to bring the RPO to the new patron amenities, this joint project most appropriate that the highlights of attention of a worldwide audience—through signifi es how much can be accomplished the past season should be reviewed by my podcasts, radio broadcasts, Internet under the tremendously productive distinguished colleagues—Music Director streaming and digital downloads, as well as partnership that has evolved between Christopher Seaman and Board Chair Jim through traditional recordings. Technology the RPO and our colleagues at the Boucher—who have led the organization so also can be an invaluable tool in enhancing Eastman School of Music and the marvelously during a year of signifi cant our educational presentations to children University of Rochester. accomplishment and transition. and adults of all ages, so my third goal is to help the RPO become a pioneer in this As you’ll read on the following pages, the I’ve been thinking a great deal about the fi eld. My fi nal goal is to recommit the RPO many successes of 2006-2007 prove that future as work begins on the next phase to enhancing the diversity of our programs the wind is in our sails and that the future of our strategic plan, from 2009-2012. and our audiences. It is time to take our of the RPO looks very bright, indeed. What’s past is prologue, as Shakespeare excellent education and outreach programs said, and we are blessed in Rochester that to the next level by fi nding ways not simply the prologue to the RPO’s future is a solid to serve a broader constituency but also Charles H. Owens artistic and fi scal foundation, which itself is to engage communities that traditionally President & CEO built upon the RPO’s proud 85-year legacy have been underserved by the RPO. Dear Friends: It’s hard to believe that an entire year has passed In addition, I certainly want to recognize the since I last had the opportunity to address you in individual, business, foundation and government the annual report. Making music with our wonderful support that our world-class RPO receives, which Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra is a pleasure that encourages us to be the greatest Orchestra that I cherish, and the 2006-07 Season came through we can be. yet again with a truly fantastic assortment of artistic Two years ago, the RPO’s plan for the future accomplishments. I consider myself fortunate to identified four core values: share the podium with my two exceptional conducting colleagues, Principal Pops Conductor • Passionate dedication and outstanding musical Jeff Tyzik and Principal Conductor for Education performance at the highest artistic levels The 2006-07 Season came through yet again with and Outreach Michael Butterman. Their talent • Unique tradition of musical versatility and enthusiasm for the great variety of concerts • Commitment to music education in its they lead—and for a great variety of audiences!— broadest sense a truly fantastic assortment of artistic accomplishments. transmits directly to our listeners and to our musicians. • Deep and enduring engagement with the community I firmly believe these values were reflected perfectly in last season’s accomplishments. It is these values that continue to drive us to be the region’s premier cultural organization, successfully on the road toward national and international recognition. I personally appreciate the support you give us as we move confidently and smoothly into our future. Enjoy reviewing our marvelous 2006-07 Season through these pages, and as always, my sincere thanks to you all. I look forward to seeing you soon. Christopher Seaman Music Director 1 Dear RPO Members: excellence, we have seen our infrastructure We are particularly proud to report that Christopher investments paying off. With a Manager of Corporate, Seaman and Jeff Tyzik both renewed three-year I am delighted for this opportunity to share with you Foundation and Government Grants in place, we saw contracts through August 2011. Although they each the progress we have made in realizing our vision healthy increases in underwriting from those still had a year remaining on their present contracts, during the second year of our three-year strategic categories. Expanding our part-time media they chose to make an early commitment to the plan, Ensuring a Vibrant Future. Before going any relations and publicity consultant into a full-time Orchestra and the community for an additional three further, I would like to recognize the signifi cant work position resulted in approximately $750,000 in free years. Not only does this refl ect the health and stability of my predecessor, Ingrid Stanlis, in helping to steer publicity. Strategies initiated by our marketing of our organization, but it also provides continuity in the creation of this blueprint for our future success. consultant and implemented by our marketing the excellence of our musical leadership and communi- I must thank the Board’s leadership and commitment, department boosted ticket sales substantially over cates the professional fulfi llment of our musical leaders. both fi nancial and organizational, as well as recognize the previous year—helping to boost our earned the creativity, hard work and diligence of the entire revenue to nearly $4 million, more than 10% over I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the great RPO staff and volunteers as we see visible success in the previous year. These increases, together with a success of our Gershwin CD, which not only has achieving our long-term goals: organizational excel- successful Annual Campaign and controlled spending received incredible critical acclaim but also soared to lence, community service and national recognition. growth, resulted in an operating surplus of $240,950, the top of the Classical Billboard charts, topping off at an achievement of which we should all be enormously number 3 behind Sting and Yo-Yo Ma! In addition to the I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge proud. Beyond the results of normal operations, our local pride engendered by that kind of achievement, it the considerable contributions of former President overall bottom line was enhanced by a generous and brings us that much closer to our goal of national and & CEO Richard Nowlin and Interim President & CEO signifi cant one-time unrestricted gift of $500,000 even international recognition. Janet Newcomb, each of whom inspired us and kept from the Gleason Foundation. us true to our vision. Change is often diffi cult, but We have much to celebrate. As we look back together the organization stayed on an unwavering course, The fi nal area of strategic investment was in our at last season, I invite you to take pride in being an evidence of institutional stability. An outstanding artistic operations department, where the addition integral part of our current and future success. I look consulting fi rm successfully led us through the search of a new Artistic Coordinator ensured fi rst-rate guest forward to your continued participation as we process for a new President & CEO, resulting in the artist relations and allowed for more advance commemorate a milestone appointment of Charles Owens—the superb Executive artistic planning, keeping us competitive with our anniversary in 2007-08, marking Director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra—to that peer orchestras. 85 years of inspiring and position. We are thrilled with his appointment, and enriching our community through look forward to many years of his positive energy and One of last year’s major accomplishments was the art of music. exceptional leadership skills. the completion of our $10 million New Century Endowment Campaign. I especially want to Respectfully yours, Building on the strategic plan’s fi rst year of success thank Co-Chairs A. Thomas Hildebrandt and Jon L.