Tasmanian Symphony, Back From the Brink, Posts Surplus

But it was a "tough year," as TSO board chairman Geoff Willis told The Mercury of Hobart, the Tasmanian state capital. He said that there were roughly A$8 million of revenues and A$8 million of costs during the 2005 season, leaving a surplus of A$10,000, according to the paper.

Early in 2005, the 47-member orchestra, which is heavily reliant on government funding, faced being downsized to a chamber orchestra because of politicians' concerns about its financial viability.

However, public opposition to the proposal resulted in increased funding from the state and federal governments. Willis told The Mercury that the orchestra's future is now safe for at least four years.

Managing director Nicholas Hayward told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the orchestra had enjoyed high community support. "They also bought more tickets, they came to more concerts and paid higher ticket prices. When we were declared a Tasmanian icon a few years back, that was no coincidence and I think the Tasmanian people are proud of the TSO."

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