Sudbury Symphony Orchestra - Fact Sheet

What is the difference between a community orchestra (SSO) and a professional orchestra (TSO)?
A professional orchestra hires all the musicians, conductor, and rehearsal conductor who make up their symphony orchestra.

A community orchestra usually hires only the core musicians (where financially possible) including a conductor, a rehearsal conductor, a concert master, a violist, a cellist and a 2nd violin - as principal players, and conductor(s). The remaining musicians generously volunteer their time and skills to the Symphony.

Up until the move to Glad Tidings Tabernacle, the SSO has sold out each concert - you must be doing really well. Why fundraise or request donations?
The reality is that concert ticket/subscription revenues cover less than 1/3 of the cost of running the Symphony. In addition, although we will have greater opportunity for seat sales at the new venue, our costs have risen. Our musicians will now have the opportunity to hold all of the rehearsals on the site that they actually play. Up until this point, our musicians rehearsed at one location, while playing at a completely different venue.

The concerts are always sold out. Why don’t you just add another concert?
The cost of producing each concert is tremendous. When we offer a second concert our costs are doubled. There are very few concerts (exception Xmas) that would sell well enough to warrant the costs of a second concert.

Where does the money come from to keep the Symphony going?
Ticket Sales - 28.9% Gov’t Funding - 30.9% Corp. Sponsors - 11.8% Fundraising/Don’n - 28.4%

Behind the scenes ... a look at the costs involved in putting on a concert.
Purchase or rental of music; licensing fees (royalties); performance space rental (including parking, rehearsal time, technician); contracted services for: conductor and associated costs (transportation, accommodation etc.), rehearsal conductor, core musicians, guest artist performance fees and associated costs, service and transportation costs for additional musicians required for each concert (8 to 10 musicians per performance); insurance costs; rental space/storage for instruments; instrument tuning/repairs/purchases; advertising materials and much more.

Can anybody play in the Symphony?
Although the SSO is a volunteer community orchestra, we require a standard of proficiency so that we may continue to offer our patrons the highest quality of performance possible.

What do I do with my tickets if I can’t attend a performance?
Turn them back in to the SSO for re-circulation prior to concert week, or pass them on to a friend.

I’d really like to help the Symphony in some way. What are my options?
Private Donation - by becoming a partner with the SSO you will be supporting the upcoming concert season in a very meaningful way.

Planned Giving - create a lasting gift/endowment to the SSO by naming the Symphony as a beneficiary within your will, life insurance policy, or trust fund.

Special Events - by attending and supporting our special events throughout the year (Dinner Auction/Raffles etc.)

Advertising - buy an ad and promote your business or organization to your fellow concert goers within the pages of our program book.

Open your home - we often require lodging for our out-of-town musicians. Your hospitality is a valued gift to the Symphony.

Can I buy extra tickets for guests later this season?
With our move to Glad Tidings Tabernacle, you may be able to purchase tickets for guests, friends or family. Unfortunately, because we have assigned seating, we may not be able to get your guests tickets in the same location as your seat is.

When I give my ticket to a friend do they have to pay extra?
If your ticket was purchased for a Youth and you are giving it to another Youth then no. If you are giving it to a Senior/Student or an Adult then you or your friend will pay the difference.

Concert nights can be hectic. We would appreciate it if you would perform this transaction prior to the night of the performance.