The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is a cornerstone of cultural life in our region, offering exceptional performances, advancing arts education, and contributing to La Crosse’s economic vitality with record-breaking attendance of more than 6,000 last year. It is unusual for a city the size of La Crosse to have a professional orchestra, and it is a gem that should be nurtured and grown.
Ticket sales cover just 30% of concert costs, which is slightly below the national symphony average of 35%. The remaining 70% is funded primarily through sponsorships, compared to the 65% national average. However, due to rising costs of presenting high-quality performances and the increasing unpredictability of sponsorship funding, maintaining this balance grows more challenging each year. Sustaining excellence and expanding community impact will require planning to ensure long-terms sustainability. LSO is taking steps now to build a more resilient financial foundation for the future.
