The plan's objectives include a $710,000 in fundraising in 2006, led by new development director Greg Clark, and an increase of $185,000 in net ticket sales (both single-ticket and subscription) by 2008. The orchestra plans to bolster attendance by expanding its more popular programs, including its pops series.

Meanwhile, the orchestra has launched the hunt for a new music director, naming a nine-person committee to conduct the search. The LO has lacked a music director since Uriel Segal left at the end of last season after his contract was not renewed.

Scott Provancher, the orchestra's executive director, told Business First that the orchestra needs an "American-style conductor" willing to attend to both the business and artistic elements of the organization. Candidates will conduct concerts during the 2005-06 season and a new director will be selected by 2006-07.

The orchestra, which has a staff of 98, including 71 full-time musicians, and a current operating budget of $7 million, was close to having to file for bankruptcy in 2003, but was saved by a vigorous fundraising efforts by the Home Builders Association of Lousiville. For fiscal year 2004, the LO posted a surplus of about $300,000.