Symphony Ticket Revenues Up

Because of higher prices, Pacific Symphony ticket revenues were up slightly during the fiscal year 1994-95, even though sales were down 2.2%, according to figures released Monday. Meanwhile, total contributed support increased by 12.6%, to $2,123,242.

A balanced budget reflected operating revenues and expenditures of $6,363,299, up 6.9% from the previous season.

Classic Series ticket sales increased from 70% of capacity to 74%, while Pops Series tickets slipped from 85% to 76%. (Pops sales for this season already are on the way up, according to executive director Louis Spisto.) Revenue from contracted services was $737,025, an increase of 7.5%, a result of increased ballet engagements for the orchestra.

The endowment fund more than doubled, from $1,218,340 to $2,546,331, thanks largely to a highly publicized gift of $1.2 million from local philanthropist William J. Gillespie.

Pacific Symphony Assn. president Rondell Hanson declared the orchestra’s ambitious Vietnam project a “financial success,” meaning expenses were covered. The project entailed the commission of “Fire Water Paper” by Elliot Goldenthal; its premiere at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in April, and a recording by the orchestra with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, due in November.