WSO Announces $1.3 Million Operating Deficit in 2023/24

As the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) closes the books on its 2023/24 season, it’s evident that while challenges remain, the organization has demonstrated remarkable creativity and innovation in navigating the post-pandemic arts landscape. At its October 1^st Annual General Meeting (AGM), the financial results revealed an operating deficit of $1.3 million for the 2023/24 season, a figure that mirrors the previous year’s operating shortfall. With much of this shortfall covered off by the remainder of the WSO’s COVID stabilization reserves, this leaves the organization with a net deficit of $248,308.

“Last year’s financial results are no surprise,” stated Executive Director Angela Birdsell.  “In fact, they are almost exactly as we have been forecasting and communicating with clarity and transparency for the past two years. This is our shortfall after reducing close to $800,000 in costs in the past year.  While this reality is now deeply concerning for us, we will continue to diligently press our case and that of the performing arts with all three levels of government, with our donors, and while presenting wonderful music to our audiences.”

Despite financial hurdles, the 2023/24 fiscal year showcased the WSO’s determination to rebuild its concert operations and continue to connect with new audiences.

Reflecting on the season, Board Chair Curt Vossen noted, “The WSO demonstrated its strength, flexibility, and resiliency in the 2023/24 season. As a premier arts organization, we provide musical experiences for close to 80,000 Winnipeggers and Manitobans in over 70 events and concerts.”

Vossen credited the artistic leadership for maintaining the Orchestra’s high standards. “This year, we are grateful for the outstanding musical vision of Music Director Daniel Raiskin. His leadership ensures the WSO remains artistically vibrant while embracing the diverse needs of the community.”

Now completing his sixth year as Music Director, Raiskin’s vision for the Orchestra has been pivotal. “Our 76th season featured pre-planned and lovingly constructed programs that were played with soloists of the highest calibre, guest conductors, and world-famous ensembles. From our Opening Night with the spectacular Vadim Gluzman in Bruch and Bloch, to Blake Pouliot in Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto and Michelle Cann performing Franz Liszt and Florence Price’s Piano Concerto, the Classics season was full of rich and moving moments in music.”

To enhance audience engagement, the Orchestra continues to develop more flexible subscription alternatives. Although ticket sales in 2023/24 remained stable at 65% of pre-pandemic levels, subscriptions lagged at 55%. National and international trends suggest the subscription model may not fully recover. This year, the WSO introduced WSO Unlimited, allowing concert-goers to enjoy a flexible monthly or annual subscription service, enabling last-minute decisions to attend for just $5.

The broader financial landscape remains challenging. Rising costs and economic uncertainty have led Birdsell and the WSO to advocate for increased government support. In January 2023, the WSO along with other performing arts organizations in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, began lobbying for a bold investment in the arts. Birdsell emphasized, “We were tremendously gratified to realize success when the Federal government announced $20m in supplemental support over three years to the large performing arts in the three provinces. We have had a very positive dialogue with the City, and look forward to the Mayor’s Ball on October 5^th. We continue to advocate to the provincial government for a longer post-COVID runway.”

Looking forward, Raiskin remained optimistic about the future, stating, “I take my cues from every rehearsal, every concert, every staff or management conversation, and every board meeting. As long as I feel the unwavering interest and curiosity, drive and support, and a sense of necessity for what we as an organization are doing – I am confident that 25 years from now, I’ll be able to attend concerts of the WSO’s 100th anniversary season!”

Vossen, too, emphasized the need for a sustainable future: “We must ensure that such a budget gap never re-occurs and that WSO has the means and business model to thrive despite unforeseen circumstances. In Spring 2024, the Board approved the WSO’s five-year strategic plan, WSO Futures.”

This ambitious plan sets a clear path for long-term financial stability, resiliency, and growth that will include a comprehensive capital campaign. “In collaboration with the community, the WSO will roll up its sleeves to build the long-term stability and financial resiliency of our organization. We need a street presence and a right-sized home for the WSO that will enable it to diversify revenue, have flexible programming, and open its doors to many community organizations. We also need to grow our endowment and ensure that we have the ability to take risks and weather uncertainty,” said Vossen. Specific plans for the capital campaign will be announced at a later date by the organization.

While there is work ahead, the WSO is on a promising path. As Birdsell concluded, “I am continually amazed and gratified by the commitment of the WSO Board of Directors and the resiliency and dedication of the entire administrative team. Daniel Raiskin and the WSO artistic team have inspired us all.”

She added, “These are challenging times for everyone, not the least of whom are the WSO musicians, who continue to create magic on stage despite challenge and uncertainty. I know it is not easy. Each and every one of us at the WSO is part of the solution – it is your commitment that keeps me going. Thank-you patrons, donors, volunteers, government partners, corporations, and the entire WSO team for a successful 76^th season.”

The season wasn’t without farewells. Long-time Associate Conductor Julian Pellicano, who has led over 400 concerts with the WSO, completed his final season with the WSO, and WSO musicians Richard and Karen Bauch said farewell after 50 years with the Orchestra.  At this year’s Annual General Meeting, Arlene Dahl announced her retirement from the Board of Directors after serving 16 years as a Musician Representative.

Following the AGM, a short board meeting was held to re-appoint Curt Vossen, Chair, Daniel Friedman, Vice-Chair, Jon Kliewer, Treasurer, and Julia Ryckman, Corporate Secretary as officers.

2024-25 Board of Directors

1. Curt Vossen, Chair

2. Daniel Friedman, Vice–Chair

3. Jon Kliewer, Treasurer

4. Julia Ryckman, Corporate Secretary

5. Terry Sargeant, Past Chair

6. Alex Conway, Musician Rep.

7. Joanne DeFehr

8. Hannah Humphries

9. Derek Johannson

10. Margaret Kellermann McCulloch

11. Robin MacMillan, Musician Rep.

12. Matthew Narvey

13. Paul Ong

14. Thor Richardson

15. Marlene Stern

16. Karl Stobbe, Musician Rep.

17. Daniel Raiskin, Music Director, ex-officio

18. Angela Birdsell, Executive Director, ex-officio