‘People have come back’: WSO posts surplus after years of financial struggle

After some financial struggles post-pandemic, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is showing a financial surplus this year. CTV’s Jon Hendricks reports.

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is reporting a modest operating surplus for the 2024/25 season.

At the organization’s annual general meeting, officials said they started the season with a $1.3 one million shortfall and ended it with a $140,000 operating surplus.

“We turned what looked to be the potential of a second deficit into a small but highly satisfying surplus,” said board president Curt Vossen.

The news is very welcome given the financial uncertainty the WSO has endured since the pandemic.

“My team and I, we had many sleepless nights,” said executive director Angela Birdsell.

“You know, we had to say to ourselves, ‘Is this the year that the WSO goes down?’”

WSO officials say the key to their success this past year was due to a collective effort.

They cut administrative expenses, signed a lean contract with the musicians, and increased single ticket sales.

“People have come back,” said Birdsell.

“We’ve seen a 30 per cent increase in sales. Our donations are the highest that they’ve been in the awesome history. We’ve had government partners step up to the plate.”

The surplus doesn’t mean the WSO can hang a mission accomplished banner on the Centennial Concert Hall.

Officials say work continues to ensure this year’s success will be sustainable.

“We’ve been trying some different things,” said Vossen. “And they’re showing success in terms of attracting a whole new audience base, which is what it’s all about.”