Executive director Dale Lonis, who took over the helm of the orchestra last July, said he credits the rise in ticket sales to programming that "seems to have resonated with the public" and the fact that all concerts are now performed in one location, the Centennial Concert Hall.

He also enthused in a statement about the efforts of the WSO's new music director, Alexander Mickelthwate. "Alexander is doing a great job at listening to what Winnipeggers want, and working with the orchestra musicians and members of the programming team to put together some of the most exciting programming for all our audiences."

Mickelthwate, 36, is finishing his final year as assistant conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and will soon move with his family to Winnipeg.

The WSO has experienced financial woes recently; the orchestra almost shut down three years ago. Former music director Andrey Boreyko and the musicians accepted a pay cut to help stabilize the financial situation.

Lonis has set a target of C$1 million in subscription ticket sales for the upcoming season, which marks the 60th anniversary of the orchestra.