Chicago Symphony stays at par financially in 2026
The Chicago Symphony appears to be holding its own financially, largely staying at par in a tough economic era for cultural institutions.
The orchestra announced its financials for the 2026 fiscal year (ending June 30) late Monday. Total revenue (comprising earned revenue and operating support) was $78.5 million, down slightly from $79 million in FY 2025.
Still, with operating expenses trimmed from $80.4 million last year to $79 million, that managed to cut the orchestra’s deficit from $1.4 million to $460,000.
The CSO’s endowment jumped from $510.6 million to $563 million and total assets grew from $647 million to $677.9 million, indicating a secure long-term future for the orchestra.
Ticket sales ticked up to $23.9 million from $22 million in 2025, likely reflecting the increased appearances and burgeoning excitement over Klaus Mäkelä, who takes the reins as CSO music director in the fall of 2027.
Posted in News
Leave a Comment
Subscribe via RSS.