The center ended the 2003-04 season with a $1,900 surplus on a budget of roughly $14 million.

The past two seasons mark a fiscal turnaround for the performing arts venue, which lost nearly $900,000 during the 2001-02 season. Since that time, the center has increased fundraising by 36 percent, and has raised nearly $7 million, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The venue's endowment got a $1 million boost last year from the E.M. Pearson Foundation, bringing the total endowment to $11 million.

More than 350,000 people attended events at the center last year, including touring performances, and concerts by the center's resident organizations, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Schubert Club.