A Good Year for Pacific Symphony

Orange County’s major classical orchestra, Pacific Symphony, balanced its books for the eighth consecutive year, finishing its 20th anniversary season with a surplus of $10,000 more than expenditures of $7.4 million, orchestra officials said.

The symphony’s 1998-99 budget was balanced with increased ticket revenues for its five subscription series, a 6% increase in contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and a 4.5% growth in subscribers for the season, which ended June 30.

“We are thrilled that in our 20th anniversary season, the Pacific Symphony Orchestra has achieved not only artistic excellence, but financial stability, which is the ultimate goal for all orchestras,” said John E. Forsyte, the orchestra’s executive director and vice president.

Forsyte noted that its annual gala raised $375,000, up 88% from the previous season.

“The Pacific Symphony Orchestra is grateful to the entire community for its ongoing support, and we look forward to a bright future under music director Carl St.Clair’s inspired leadership,” he said.

The symphony kicked off its 1999-2000 season July 4 with a summer concert series at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre. Its Leo Freedman Foundation Classics Series will open Oct. 1 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa with Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony of a Thousand,” featuring St.Clair, the Pacific Chorale and acclaimed soloists.

St.Clair, who recently lost his young son in a drowning accident, will conduct another in the orchestra’s summer series at 8 p.m. Saturday at Irvine Meadows.

Nancy Tunnicliffe will be featured on bagpipes in the tribute to the music of composer John Williams. Tickets, from $7 to $57, are available by calling (714) 755-5799.