Report Shows $125M Economic Boost from Orchestra

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has released a study revealing its $125 million annual boost to the regional economy. For every dollar spent by the symphony, four dollars are generated locally, with the orchestra’s $33 million budget supporting about 1,900 jobs.

Key Points

- The PSO generates $125 million in annual economic impact through patron spending on concerts and community collaborations.

- For every dollar spent by the PSO, there is a $4 return to the community.

- The PSO attracts more visitors to the Cultural District than all other arts organizations combined.

- The PSO sustains nearly 1,900 jobs annually in the Pittsburgh MSA, seven times its direct employee base.

Why the Boost?

The symphony’s impact is bolstered by strong educational ties with local universities, drawing students and generating tuition revenue. Additionally, concert attendees contribute to the local economy through spending on gas, dining, and accommodations.

Facing a structural deficit, the PSO aims to use this data to secure more funding. CEO Melia Tourangeau emphasized that the orchestra’s loss would leave a $100 million hole in the city’s economy.