The is hoping the talents of its newly appointed artistic advisor can keep the orchestra鈥檚 forward momentum after recovering from a $1.2 million debt.
In the 1990s, helped orchestrate the financial resurgence of the once imperiled Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Litton is busy, he holds leadership roles at three other orchestras and will conduct 18 concerts with the CSO this season. In addition to his role with the CSO he is also Music Director of Norway鈥檚 as well as Conductor and Artistic Director of 鈥檚 Sommerfest.
A number of symphony orchestras across the country are struggling financially. Just two years ago, there were fears that the . The musicians and a was adopted. In June 2012, Litton was appointed Artistic Advisor, assuming what as the 鈥渇ull duties and responsibilities for the artistic leadership of the Colorado Symphony.鈥�
The CSO ended the 2011-2012 fiscal year with a $70,000 surplus and no outstanding debt.
Litton says to keep things moving forward he maximizes his time while in Denver, meeting with as many potential donors as possible in between rehearsals and performances. Litton made it clear though that concert goers are the life blood of the symphony.
鈥淲e鈥檝e got to keep making programs that are attractive enough to a wide audience that we鈥檒l continue to fill , and that of course helps the bottom line as well,鈥� said Litton.
Shows such as Colorado band with and the Symphony at Red Rocks or a Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration featuring are part of that focus on a wider audience.
There鈥檚 tech too. The CSO offers digital downloads of its music and videos, both authorized and un-authorized, are easily available online. Litton believes that technology helps lift interest in live performance.
鈥淭he great thing about the wide spread dissemination of our art all over the internet is that people get interested,鈥� said Litton. 鈥淭hey go, 鈥榦h, that looks really cool. I鈥檇 love to hear that live. Oh look, the symphony is doing it this week. Let鈥檚 go.鈥欌€�
The CSO has yet to post video of Litton at the podium, but there is this light moment shot during a recent rehearsal:
http://youtu.be/BWRVwqtACZo
Arts District is a collaboration of KUNC, Rocky Mountain PBS, and KUVO.
