Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Meets $10 Million New Century Campaign Endowment Goal

Rochester, NY – The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra is pleased to announce it has met the $10 million dollar goal of its New Century Campaign, which, as part of its total endowment funds, helps to strengthen the Orchestra’s future financial foundation and security.  Begun in 1999, the RPO’s New Century Campaign was designed to raise additional endowment money to provide income to the Orchestra for operating expenses. 

Thomas Hildebrandt, president of the Crestwood and Hillside Children’s Foundations, and Jon Schumacher, attorney with Nixon Peabody LLP, served as co-chairs of the New Century Campaign committee.  In looking back on the campaign, Mr. Hildebrandt remarked that “it has been particularly rewarding to watch this community step forward to support strengthening the RPO’s ability to sustain its excellence.  Clearly, we have received a message that our presence is important to the cultural fabric of this community as well as to the education of our citizens.”  Mr. Schumacher added, “although this campaign had its challenges, its success is a great tribute to a truly supportive community.  Concert-goers, citizens, musicians and staff all have done their share – and then some!”

The New Century Campaign’s $10 million dollar endowment is part of the larger Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Endowment Funds, which include the RPO Endowment Fund, the RPO Fund, Inc., and the Rochester Area Community Foundation Arts Tomorrow Fund.  At the close of the 2005-06 fiscal year, the RPO’s total endowment was calculated at $19.5 million, generating approximately $1 million annually for operations. Last year’s RPO operating budget totaled $9 million.

Now in its 84th season, the RPO inspires and enriches the community through the art of music.  The Orchestra is passionately dedicated to outstanding musical performance at the highest artistic levels, and has a unique tradition of musical versatility, commitment to music education in the broadest sense and a deep and enduring engagement with the community.  The RPO has been honored with the New York State Governor’s Arts Award, and two ASCAP awards for adventurous programming in recent years.

RPO performances are made possible in part with grants from the National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency; the State of New York; Monroe County; the City of Rochester; and American Airlines, the official airline of the RPO.