RPO Says It's About to Enter a "New, Golden Era" ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra held its annual meeting Monday, reporting 22 percent growth in ticket and concert revenue for the last three years.

The RPO's 2007-2008 season marked the end of its three-year growth plan, so the board focused on totals for that period. Subscription sales were up 25-percent, while contributed revenue from individuals, corporations and foundations grew 13-percent. The annual gift to the RPO's annual campaign grew 23-percent.

The RPO did end its 2007-2008 fiscal at a slight deficit of $162,000. RPO president and CEO Charlie Owens says the deficit is a not a big concern. He links the deficit to one-time administrative expenditures and says it comes to only 1.6 percent of the organization's budget.

Owens says the RPO is well-positioned to weather the current economic storm.

The RPO expects the renovated Eastman Theatre to have a positive effect on the organization's finances. It's believed that a smaller theatre--one that's more in line with the size of the market--will improve the theatre-experience and encourage subscription sales.

Music Director Christopher Seaman says the RPO is about to enter a new, golden era.

The renovated theatre is scheduled to be ready by this October. The theatre-expansion is scheduled for sometime next year.

The theme of the meeting focused on "transformation", which included a new logo for the organization. © Copyright 2009, WXXI