South Coast Symphony Sees Financial ‘Turnaround’

The South Coast Symphony, which last year called off several concerts because of financial troubles, will launch a new season tonight and is “on the road to recovery,” manager Doreen Hardy reports.

Hardy said there is new corporate support for the orchestra and that subscriptions, which had been dwindling, are up 32% over last year, from 356 to 470. Meanwhile, musicians who had waited three months for payment have been paid, and bill collectors are at bay. There is even a plan to increase the budget, from $237,000 to $296,000.

“We’re in good shape,” Hardy said. “The first concert (tonight at Orange Coast College) is paid for completely, underwritten by J.C. Penney.” A February concert will be partially underwritten by Fred S. James and Co. of Irvine, and Hardy said a “major donor” for an April concert is expected.

Of the new subscribers, she added, “45% are new people. We have acquired a lot of new memberships through a strong telemarketing campaign over the summer.”

Hardy thinks the turnaround is a result, at least partially, from the orchestra’s decision to book this year’s programs at Orange Coast College instead of Santa Ana High School. Subscribers in previous years had complained that they were afraid to leave their cars in that neighborhood.

“We have also requested dates at the new Irvine Theater,” scheduled to open in August, 1990, Hardy said. “We are planning to be part of that season.”

Last year, citing a $30,000 deficit that had been building since 1986 and insufficient funds to complete its season, South Coast Symphony made a series of cutbacks. It pulled out of a holiday concert with singer Florence Henderson (who ended up performing with her own accompanists), “indefinitely” postponed a concert with baritone John Atkins (who, it now turns out, will appear with the orchestra Nov. 18) and canceled a concert with pianist Jose Feghali (who gave a recital instead).

In January, a three-member group was appointed to manage the organization. Hardy believes that the policies and fund-raising efforts of the three--Sally Anne Sheridan of the Irvine City Council; Richard Burrell, a vice president of the National Education Corp. in Irvine, and Albert Wong, founder of a computer manufacturing firm--have paid off.

“Last June 30, we ended the fiscal year with a break-even,” she said. “That is progress. We didn’t add to the deficit.”

But, she acknowledged, “we are still carrying the deficit for the previous three years. . . . We hope to eradicate it (this year) by raising additional funds.” And, she added, “we are current with our creditors on a series of payment plans.

“Our first priority was to pay the musicians,” who had been waiting for payment for a concert last November, Hardy said. “We paid that off in February. . . . Everything else is current.”

The triumvirate will remain in place until January, Hardy said. Meanwhile, “almost a completely new board” has been assembled. Each member, Hardy said, is required to give $1,000 to the organization every year. Plans to increase membership, from 21 to 35, are afoot.

The South Coast Symphony, conducted by Larry Granger, will play music by Tchaikovsky, Borodin and Shostakovich tonight at 8:15 at the Robert B. Moore Theatre at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. Featured soloist is cellist John Walz. Tickets: $12-$28 for general admission; $9-$22 for students and seniors. Information: (714) 432-5527 or (714) 432-5880.