COUNTYWIDE : Pacific Symphony Battles Money Woes

The Pacific Symphony fell $200,000 short of its June 30 goal of raising $1.5 million for the orchestra’s sustaining fund, which pays the difference between ticket sale income and operating expenses.

Officials attributed the shortfall to the loss of a $100,000 gift from last year and a decline in individual donations of $500 or less. The orchestra’s accumulated deficit also rose to $800,000 from about $692,000 in June, 1990. The Pacific’s budget for 1990-91 was about $5.4 million.

Officials said the orchestra’s financial situation will not affect programs in the 1991-’92 season. Instead, the organization is looking to cut back in other operating areas and will leave a vacant staff position unfilled. The group also will seek more private support.

The officials said fund-raising efforts were affected by the economic recession and the Persian Gulf War, which coincided with a telemarketing campaign.

The orchestra’s expenses rose because of a 15% increase in musicians’ salaries under the current three-year contract and extra rehearsals in the Orange County Performing Arts Center where the orchestra performs.

However, corporate and government grants remained steady from last year, and single ticket sales rose 15%.

Subscription sales for next season’s classical concerts are running 20% above last year’s figures, officials said.

The orchestra also received a $100,000 grant this year from the James Irvine Foundation that will be applied to the symphony’s reserve fund. The grant would have been increased by another $50,000 had the orchestra been able to balance the budget.

The orchestra received a $200,000 grant--$50,000 a year for four years--from the Harry and Grace Steele Foundation of Newport Beach. It was the largest cash gift the orchestra has received.