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Charleston Symphony Orchestra

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 576000192 ✦ Charleston, SC ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Charleston Symphony Orchestra?

The Charleston Symphony Orchestra, situated in Charleston, South Carolina, is a dedicated community-serving organization with a mission to inspire and engage through exceptional musical performances and educational programs. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the orchestra successfully resumed operations, presenting an impressive performance season comprising over 100 masterworks, pops, chamber music, educational, and community engagement events. One of their milestones was delivering two sell-out performances of Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, marking their highest grossing and highest attendance for masterworks performances to date. During the pandemic, the orchestra continued to perform live, further strengthening their position as a cornerstone of the community. In their 2021-2022 season, they launched the Charleston Symphony Inclusion Fellowship, a partnership with the College of Charleston's Arts & Cultural Administration Program, offering two graduate students positions on the orchestra staff for a cross-departmental rotation, providing them with a broad range of experiences in marketing, advancement, operations, and more. Overseeing the organization are approximately 300 dedicated employees.


Official website here: www.charlestonsymphony.org/

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

**Rating: 100% (Four-Star out of Four Star Rating from Charity Navigator)**

The Charleston Symphony Orchestra has achieved an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its outstanding standards in accountability and finance. The perfect score of 100% indicates a high level of transparency and financial health, with particular strengths in maintaining a fully independent board and sound financial practices. This dedication to responsible management helps convey trust and confidence in the organization's commitment to its mission.

With an excellent program expense ratio of almost 80%, the orchestra demonstrates its focus on utilizing a significant portion of its resources directly towards its core programs. The organization's capacity to manage its liabilities effectively further underscores its financial stability. While the rating reflects a well-managed nonprofit, it's important to note that some aspects of its impact and measurement, as well as community engagement, are not currently scored.

Unfortunately, user reviews from GreatNonprofits could not be fetched, preventing a comprehensive overview of public sentiment. Overall, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra is positioned as a financially secure and well-governed organization dedicated to serving its cultural community.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

What do the Facebook reviews say about Charleston Symphony Orchestra?

84% of 21 reviewers on Facebook recommend the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Here’s a summary of their reviews:

Many attendees express a deep appreciation for the performances, highlighting the engaging and entertaining atmosphere of events like the Pops - Happy Birthday John Williams. Reviewers often mention the remarkable talent of the musicians, which contributes to a joyful experience for all ages.

Overall, the sentiment is quite positive, with many finding that the orchestra delivers enjoyable and high-quality performances that make for memorable outings. Reviewers appreciate that the events are not only entertaining but also bring together families and friends for a shared cultural experience.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is Charleston Symphony Orchestra legitimate?

Charleston Symphony Orchestra is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Charleston Symphony Orchestra submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $297,482
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $2,296,280

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.charlestonsymphony.org/

What is the mission statement of Charleston Symphony Orchestra?

The Charleston Symphony Orchestra's mission is to inspire and engage the community through exceptional musical performances and educational programs. In fulfilling this mission, the orchestra presented over 100 masterworks, pops, chamber music, educational, and community engagement performances in the 2022 financial year. One of their notable achievements was delivering live performances during the pandemic, which was a rare feat among orchestras nationwide. As part of their commitment to community service, they launched the Charleston Symphony Inclusion Fellowship, a partnership with the College of Charleston's Arts & Cultural Administration Program, providing two graduate students with cross-departmental rotations in marketing, advancement, operations, and more.


Official website here: www.charlestonsymphony.org/

Who is the CEO of Charleston Symphony Orchestra?

Michael A Smith is the Director of Charleston Symphony Orchestra.


Official website here: www.charlestonsymphony.org/

What is the revenue of Charleston Symphony Orchestra?

Charleston Symphony Orchestra's revenue in 2022 was $9,194,585.


Official website here: www.charlestonsymphony.org/

Who are the executives of Charleston Symphony Orchestra and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Charleston Symphony Orchestra during 2022 was $8,646. There are 300 employees and 200 volunteers at Charleston Symphony Orchestra.


Here are 25 key members and their salaries:


Robert Siedell (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Carol H Fishman (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lenna Macdonald (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Edward Hart (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marty Penkhus (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Patrick Ilderton (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rajan Govindan (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Taylor Charpia (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lee Higdon (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Bobby Baker (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Clyde Hiers (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Natalie Ham (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Elizabeth Rivers Lewine (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jon Olson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jodi Rush (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Savard (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gerald Tanenbaum (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kay Maybank (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael A Smith (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $119,481
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $4,192
Michael Moody (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Susan Sullivan (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tracy Grooms (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jerry Evans (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Wendi Huff (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cynthia Mabry (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.charlestonsymphony.org/

Where can I find the form 990 for Charleston Symphony Orchestra?

Charleston Symphony Orchestra's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.charlestonsymphony.org/

Learn more at the official website: www.charlestonsymphony.org/

Mission Statement of Charleston Symphony Orchestra

The Charleston Symphony, a renowned community-focused organization, is dedicated to inspiring and engaging its audience through exceptional musical performances and educational programs. Their mission is multifaceted, aiming to captivate the community with a wide array of performances, including masterworks, pops, chamber music, and community engagement events. Additionally, the Charleston Symphony is committed to fostering learning opportunities through its educational programs, aiming to enrich the lives of its audience members.

In the 2022 fiscal year, the Charleston Symphony demonstrated its commitment to this mission by launching a robust performance season, featuring over 100 events. One of their most notable achievements was the successful delivery of two sell-out performances of Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, "An Ode to Joy," which marked their highest grossing and most attended masterworks performances to date. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Charleston Symphony persevered, becoming one of a handful of orchestras nationwide to deliver live performances. This tenacity and resilience further emphasized their role as a community service organization, working tirelessly to engage and inspire their audience during the 2021-2022 season.

Furthermore, the Charleston Symphony expanded its commitment to education and community engagement by launching its first Charleston Symphony Inclusion Fellowship. This initiative, in partnership with the College of Charleston's Arts & Cultural Administration program, awarded two graduate students positions on the CSO staff. Through a 24-month cross-departmental rotation, these fellows gained comprehensive experience working in various areas such as marketing, advancement, operations, and more. This fellowship program underscores the Charleston Symphony's dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a diverse and inclusive community through music.

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Impact




July, 2024

The Charleston Symphony Orchestra's impact is profound, reaching far beyond the confines of traditional concert halls. Through exceptional musical performances and educational programs, the orchestra serves as a beacon of inspiration and engagement for the community. Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 shutdown, the CSO boldly launched "A Triumphal Return," a testament to resilience and dedication. By delivering over 100 diverse performances including masterworks, pops, chamber music, educational initiatives, and community engagements, the CSO has enriched the cultural tapestry of Charleston and beyond.

Notably, the CSO's celebration of Beethoven's 250th anniversary culminated in two sold-out performances of his Ninth Symphony, "An Ode to Joy," marking a triumphant milestone in the orchestra's history. By maintaining live performances during the pandemic, the CSO demonstrated unwavering commitment to its audience and the arts.

Furthermore, the launch of the Charleston Symphony Inclusion Fellowship underscores the orchestra's dedication to fostering talent and diversity. Through a strategic partnership with the College of Charleston, this innovative program provides graduate students with invaluable hands-on experience across various departments, ensuring a more inclusive and dynamic future for the organization.

In essence, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra's impact transcends mere entertainment, shaping a vibrant cultural landscape and nurturing the next generation of music enthusiasts and professionals.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$9,194,585 (2022)
Expenses
$3,888,659 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $54,642
  • Program Service Revenue: $1,451,805
  • Gross Receipts: $9,194,585

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $8,106,651
  • Total Liabilities: $1,164,271
  • Net Assets: $6,942,380

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

CONCERT REVENUE

Revenue

$1,451,805

Organization Details

Founding Year

1936

Principal Officer

Michael A Smith

Main Address

PO BOX 30818, CHARLESTON, SC, 29417

NTEE Category

Code: A690 - Arts

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