The orchestra's fortunes have reversed dramatically since it emerged from bankruptcy in 1998. In 2002, it received an unprecedented donation of $120 million from local philanthropists Irwin and Joan Jacobs, and has since posted three straight surpluses, according to the Union-Tribune.
Financial health has allowed the orchestra to raise its artistic profile, hiring new music director Jahja Ling and eight new principal players. Musicians' salaries have risen from an average of $29,400 a year ago to $44,000.
Executive director Edward Gill told the paper that much of the surplus could be attributed to a successful fundraising campaign.
