Annual Report 2006 - Detroit Symphony Orchestra

GREETINGS From the Chairman and presidentIt is a pleasure to report another year of inspiring success and continuedgrowth for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The 2005-06 Season offeredmany artistic highlights demonstrating the orchestra’s internationallysignificant artistic profile. It was also characterized by dynamic partnerships,incredibly diverse programming and expanded educational programs thatreached a record number of participants. We made significant advances instrategic planning and continued our strong track record of fiscal stability.Peter Oundjian, a long-time friend of the DSO, who conducted a vibrantseries of winter concerts featuring Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, joined our teamin June as Principal Guest Conductor and Artistic Advisor. We are thrilledto welcome Peter in this new capacity and look forward to an exciting collaboration. Maestro Oundjian loves ourOrchestra and he has already brought helpful insights to our artistic advisory, audition, and strategic planningcommittees. He officially begins his new role with us in the 2006-07 season.Over the course of many months, the groundwork was laid for a comprehensive DSO Strategic Plan guided byour pro bono partners at McKinsey & Company. An extensive survey, a series of open forums and many in-depthdiscussions involved constituents from across the DSO family. We took stock of our present position, as well as ouraspirations for the future. Celebrating our third year in our expanded home at the Max M. Fisher Music Center, manynew and exciting opportunities lie ahead. We pledge to continue to set the standard for musical excellence in ourregion and to pursue inspired programs that expand community engagement.Arts and cultural institutions across America continue to face difficult economic conditions. This past season thisseemed especially acute here in Michigan. And yet, despite these challenges, the DSO enjoyed many successes.We posted a third straight year of break-even operations, our annual fundraising was extraordinary and we brokesingle ticket sales records in both the Classical and Pops series.The DSO’s achievements are made possible through the generosity of many supporters nationwide. We extend ourmost sincere thanks to our musicians, Board, donors, staff, volunteers, audience and community partners for theiroutstanding dedication to our institution. We are grateful for your confidence in our ability to positively impact thequality of life in Michigan and the international world of arts and culture.Cordially,James B. NicholsonChairman of the BoardAnne ParsonsPresident and Executive DirectorAn Annual Report “Year-in-Review”Podcast featuring in-depth interviewswith DSO leadership and membersof the Orchestra can be heard on theMultimedia section of the DSO’s web siteat www.detroitsymphony.com.