The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony held its Annual General Meeting for the 2008-09 season last week, and reported audience growth, increases in contributed income – and a loss on the season of just over $275,000.  According to a report in The Record, “the total debt now stands at $586,256, compared to $311,927 at fiscal year end in 2008.”

The article continues, “Despite the budget shortfall, the deficit was not the focus of attention at last night’s annual general meeting, held for the first time at the symphony’s new digs in the Conrad Centre for Performing Arts in downtown Kitchener. Music director Edwin Outwater said he will not let the financial problems affect programming. “The economy and the challenges we face, they don’t affect my ideas at all,” said the affable and energetic conductor. He said he has been astonished by the hard work by both staff and musicians, many who are working beyond their regular shift trying to keep the symphony viable. “When things get tough, of course you draw back,” he said. “It puts this organization into a tricky, but inspiring position.”

For more information about the KW Symphony, you can visit their website here.