Seattle Symphony Press Kit
Fact Sheet
Mission Statement
To present symphonic music of the highest quality in a distinctive way for the cultural enrichment, education, engagement and enjoyment of the people locally, nationally and internationally.
Music Director
Ludovic Morlot is Music Director of the Seattle Symphony, and celebrates his inaugural season in that role during the 2011–2012 season. He is assisted by Marvin Hamlisch, Principal Pops Conductor; Eric Garcia, Assistant Conductor; and Joseph Crnko, Associate Conductor for Choral Activities.
Musicians
The Orchestra consists of 84 full-time musicians, all of whom are members of the Seattle Symphony and Opera Players' Organization, a chapter of the International Guild of Symphony, Opera and Ballet Musicians.
Performances
In the 2011–2012 season, the Seattle Symphony will present more than 220 performances.
Performance Venue
The Orchestra performs in Benaroya Hall, which opened on September 12, 1998, in downtown Seattle. Seattle Symphony presents programs in the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium (capacity 2,500) and the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall (capacity 540). In July 2000, the Symphony debuted its Watjen Concert Organ in Benaroya Hall. Built by C.B. Fisk, Inc., the Watjen Concert Organ has 4,490 pipes and 83 stops.
Attendance
More than 315,000 people attend Seattle Symphony performances annually.
Budget Size
The operating budget for the 2011–2012 season is $24 million.
Recordings
The Seattle Symphony is represented on more than 140 recordings, available on the Naxos, Delos, Koch, JVC Classics, Artek, MMC, Harmonia Mundi and Crystal labels.
Education and Community Programs
Seattle Symphony's education and community programs annually reach more than 100,000 people of all ages, including more than 50,000 students from preschool through college. For more information, please visit our Education and Community Programs pages.
Soundbridge
The Seattle Symphony opened Soundbridge Seattle Symphony Music Discovery Center in April 2001. Located in Benaroya Hall, Soundbridge is an interactive space dedicated to fostering love of symphonic music in people of all ages. Since opening, Soundbridge has served more than 150,000 visitors. For more information on Soundbridge, visit www.soundbridge.org.