Billings Symphony

What Billings Symphony does

Billings Symphony Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional symphony orchestra founded in May 1951 in Billings, Montana, now operating in its 76th season under Music Director Anne Harrigan and CEO Mario Lopez. The organization operates the Billings Symphony Orchestra, Billings Symphony Chorale, and Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra (BSYO, integrated in 2023), and produces roughly 16-20 ticketed and free concerts per season across the Classic Series, Sukin Series, Chorale Series, Free Family Series, and Symphony in the Park. Each concert production costs more than $50,000 in musicians' honoraria, guest artist fees, facility rental, and stage/production expense, and ticket sales cover less than half of operating expenses—making contributed income essential.

Beyond the concert platform, Billings Symphony runs the Beyond the Stage suite of free education and community-engagement programs—including Tutti Behind Walls at Montana Women's Prison, Healing Harmonies in local hospitals, Symphony for Seniors at nursing and memory-care facilities, Musicians in the Schools at Billings Public Schools, Symphony Outreach for Unhoused Lives (S.O.U.L.), and rural outreach—which collectively reach over 35,000 people annually across south-central Montana, eastern Montana, and northeastern Wyoming. Its youth education arm comprises BSYO's four-tier program (Preludio Strings through Repertory Orchestra), a five-week Youth Chamber Project, and the Youth Chorale (25-35 advanced singers).

The business model is a hybrid contributed-and-earned nonprofit model. Earned revenue comes from ticket sales ($10-$80 Classic, $10-$45 Sukin), playbill advertising (700+ subscribers plus thousands of single-ticket buyers), youth program tuition ($125-$350), Prelude Society memberships ($200 single / $350 couple), and the Montana symphony license-plate program. Contributed revenue comes from corporate sponsorships, an Annual Fund, planned giving, and a $3 million 75th Season Endowment Campaign (in progress) intended to double the General Endowment Fund. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via the Alberta Bair Theater box office, the symphony's own office, and the GetCuebox online ticketing platform, with marketing across the website, email newsletter, printed playbills, KTVQ-2, and the Billings Gazette.

Name

Billings Symphony

Legal name

Billings Symphony Society

Website

https://billingssymphony.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Billings Symphony is a nonprofit professional symphony orchestra serving south-central Montana and northeastern Wyoming from its Billings headquarters, producing 16-20 concerts annually, running youth ensemble programs, and reaching over 35,000 people yearly through Beyond the Stage community-outreach initiatives.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Symphony Orchestra / Performing Arts

NAICS

Musical Groups and Artists (711130), Performing Arts Companies (7111), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music) (BPAGAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Music & Dance Festivals (Non-Commercial/Local) (MPAGAEAH), Concerts & Music Festivals (THAJAFAA), Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir) (EDAMANAC)

Keywords

• Symphony orchestra performances
• Youth music education
• Chamber music concerts
• Community music outreach
• Choral performances

Headquarters

HQ city

Billings

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Ticket sales for Classic Series, Sukin Series, Chorale Series, and Free Family Series concerts. Ticket prices range from $10 to $80 for Classic Series and $10 to $45 for Sukin Series. Note: ticket sales cover less than half of operating expenses, making contributed income essential.
2. Annual Fund Donations: Annual donations fund performances (classical concerts, Nutcracker), outreach efforts, and offset administrative costs including musician honoraria, facility rental, stage crew, production costs, and guest artist fees.
3. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships for season concerts, guest artists, and special events. Each performance costs more than $50,000 including musicians' compensation, guest artist fees, facility rental, and production.
4. Planned Giving & Endowment: Planned giving enables larger gifts than annual disposable income. Endowment funds are invested for ongoing sustainability; interest supports annual operating expenses. A $3 million endowment campaign is currently underway to double the General Endowment Fund.
5. Playbill Advertising: Advertising in season playbills reaches 700+ series subscribers and thousands of single ticket buyers in digital and printed formats, plus digital displays at indoor venues.
6. Youth Program Tuition: Tuition fees for Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra programs (ranges from $300 to $350 per year per student), Youth Chamber Project ($125), and Youth Chorale ($350). Need-based financial assistance is available.
7. Prelude Society Memberships: Single membership at $200 and couple membership at $350, offering curated concert access, social events, flex passes, and discounts for people under 40.
8. MT License Plate Program: Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras (MASO) license plate purchases support Billings Symphony and all seven Montana symphonies.
9. Sponsor-A-Chair Program: Program to sponsor individual musician positions, contributions beginning at $850, tax-deductible, to help keep musicians on stage.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Billings Symphony is a nonprofit performing arts organization that produces and presents live symphonic, chamber, and choral concerts through multiple annual series (Classic, Sukin, Free Family, and Chorale). It also delivers youth music education programs (BSYO, Youth Chamber Project, Youth Chorale) and free community outreach through the Beyond the Stage initiative, reaching over 35,000 people annually across south-central Montana and northeastern Wyoming.

Product overview

Billings Symphony is a performing arts organization offering a multi-series concert program consisting of Classic Series (main orchestral concerts), Sukin Series (chamber music and special artists), and Free Family Series (free admission events). The organization operates the Billings Symphony Orchestra and Billings Symphony Chorale as its core performing ensembles. Youth education programs include the Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra (BSYO) with multiple levels (Preludio Strings, Concert Orchestra, Young Artists Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra), the Youth Chamber Project, and Youth Chorale. Membership programs include Prelude Society for young professionals under 40 and the Young Friends Program offering discounted tickets for youth. Community outreach through 'Beyond the Stage' programs provides free education and engagement initiatives including Tutti Behind Walls, Rural Rhythms, Healing Harmonies, Musicians in the Schools, Symphony for Seniors, and S.O.U.L.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Classic Series Primary concert series featuring orchestral performances of classical works with guest soloists and composer spotlights, held at the Alberta Bair Theater. Tickets priced $48-$80 across four tiers with student/under-30 discounts.
• Sukin Series Intimate chamber music performances and special guest artist concerts featuring diverse musical genres, held at Billings First Congregational Church. General admission $45 with $25 under-30/student rate.
• Free Family Series Free admission concerts designed for families including Symphony in the Park outdoor performances and youth orchestra concerts, under one hour in length with donations encouraged.
• Billings Symphony Chorale Professional vocal ensemble performing choral repertoire with dedicated concert performances and collaborations with the orchestra. Directed by Dr. Steven Hart in his seventeenth season.
• Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra (BSYO) Multi-level youth orchestra program with Preludio Strings ($300/yr), Concert Orchestra (audition required), Young Artists Orchestra ($325/yr), and Repertory Orchestra ($350/yr) for students preschool through college.
• Youth Chamber Project Intensive 5-week chamber music training program offering student musicians advanced instruction in a nurturing environment, culminating in performances. Tuition $125 with need-based financial assistance available.
• Billings Symphony Youth Chorale Advanced small ensemble of approximately 25-35 singers, grade 9 and up, dedicated to high-level choral performance with challenging repertoire. Audition required; tuition $350.
• Prelude Society Membership community for young professionals under 40 offering curated concert access, social events, 1 free drink at pre-concert events, 1 flex pass, 10% off additional tickets, post-concert receptions, and exclusive meet-and-greets with orchestra artists. Single $200, couple $350 annually.
• Young Friends Program Discounted ticket program offering free admission for K-12 students to Classic and Sukin Series concerts (excluding Nutcracker Ballet), $10 admission for college/graduate students, and approximately 40% discounts for patrons under 30, based on availability.
• Beyond the Stage Community Programs Free education and community engagement programs reaching over 35,000 people annually, including Tutti Behind Walls (Montana Women's Prison), Rural Rhythms, Healing Harmonies (hospitals), Musical Storytime, Adventures In Music!, Musicians in the Schools, Symphony for Seniors, Young People's Concert, and S.O.U.L. (homeless shelters and recovery centers).
• Symphony in the Park Free outdoor summer concert tradition since 1972, featuring orchestral performances with activities including Kids' Conducting Contest and instrument petting zoo. The most anticipated summer event in Eastern Montana.
• Sponsorship Programs Sponsorship opportunities including season concert sponsorship, guest artist sponsorship, special event sponsorship, and the Sponsor-A-Chair program (contributions from $850, tax-deductible) to support individual musician positions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 35,000 people enriched annually through Beyond the Stage programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Montana Arts CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMontana Arts Council, an agency of the Montana state government, provides partial funding for Beyond the Stage education and community programs including Musical Storytime. The organization is funded in part by coal severance taxes deposited in Montana's cultural and aesthetic projects trust fund.
• John W. & Carol L.H. GreencoreGTM or Marketing PartnerClassic Series Sponsor. The Greens have endowed the CEO position (John W. & Carol L.H. Green Chief Executive Officer) and support the symphony as its premier corporate sponsor.
• Oakland CompaniescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Search Sponsor for the 2026-27 Music Director search season. The Oakland Companies sponsor the major community engagement initiative to find the next Music Director.
• Northern HotelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerClassic Series Host Hotel - provides accommodation support for visiting guest artists and conductors.
• Doubletree HotelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSukin Series Host Hotel - provides accommodation support for Sukin Series guest artists.
• Clocktower InnminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMusician Host Hotel - provides accommodation for orchestra musicians during performances, ensuring professional musicians can perform comfortably.
• KTVQ-2minorGTM or Marketing PartnerClassic Series Media Sponsor - local CBS affiliate providing media coverage and promotional support for the Classic Series.
• Billings GazetteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal newspaper providing press coverage of symphony events and organizational news.
• First Interstate BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Young Friends Program and partner in the Centennial Youth Foundation supporting youth music education.
• Tippet RiseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTippet Rise provided grant funding for the 'Join a Music Program' recruitment video featuring students from Billings high schools.
• Stockman BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal financial institution supporting the Billings Symphony as a community partner.
• Alberta Bair TheatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe primary venue for Classic Series concerts. The symphony performs at ABT, which provides the auditorium, accessible seating, and infrastructure for performances.
• Underriner MotorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal automotive dealership supporting the symphony as a community partner.
• Intermountain Health / St. Vincent's HealthcareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare system supporting the symphony as a community health and wellness partner.
• Billings Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeep partnership with area school music programs. The symphony visits schools, provides free dress rehearsals, section coaching, instrument demonstrations, and recruitment videos for school band and orchestra programs.
• Billings Public LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Adventures In Music! program - an extensive instrument petting zoo event held annually at the library. Also serves as a performance venue for Youth Chamber Project concerts.
• MASO (Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide association of Montana's seven symphony orchestras. The symphony participates in the MASO license plate program, which supports all Montana symphonies.
• Montana Women's PrisonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeekly guitar classes and quarterly concerts provided by Billings Symphony musicians through the Tutti Behind Walls program.
• Gainan'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal flower shop supporting the symphony as a community sponsor.
• Copy RightminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal printing company supporting the symphony with printing services.
• MSU BillingsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMontana State University Billings provides rehearsal space at Cisel Hall for Youth Orchestra programs.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Nashville Symphony: Larger regional symphony serving a comparable mid-sized American city. Provides a comparison point for what a successfully scaled mid-market symphony can achieve including venue ownership and recording program.
• Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra: Established American regional symphony with comparable youth programming and community engagement scope. Useful peer for assessing what scaled regional symphony operations look like.
• Tucson Symphony Orchestra: Regional symphony serving Tucson, Arizona. Comparable mid-sized market symphony with similar youth education programming and community outreach scope.
• Louisville Orchestra: Mid-sized American regional symphony with comparable scale. Useful peer for benchmarking nonprofit symphony economics, programming decisions, and audience development.
• Colorado Springs Philharmonic: Similar-sized regional symphony in Colorado Springs. Comparable in scale, programming structure, and challenge of sustaining a professional orchestra in a mid-sized Western U.S. market.

Direct peers

• Helena Symphony: Montana-based regional symphony orchestra serving the state capital. Directly comparable as a similar-sized nonprofit symphony in the same state, participating in the same MASO license plate program and facing similar market dynamics.
• Bozeman Symphony: Montana-based symphony in Bozeman, also a MASO member. Operates in a similar geographic and economic context with comparable programming, education, and youth orchestra offerings.
• Great Falls Symphony: Montana-based regional symphony serving Great Falls. Fellow MASO member with comparable scale, mission, and challenge of sustaining a professional orchestra in a smaller Montana market.

Regional players

• Spokane Symphony: Regional symphony in the Pacific Northwest serving a comparable mid-sized American city. Similar professional orchestra model with education and youth programs, though in a different geographic region.

Others

• Tippet Rise: Montana-based arts and music organization that has provided grant funding to the Billings Symphony. An adjacent ecosystem partner rather than a direct competitor, but relevant as a regional performing arts peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/blgssymphony
• Facebookfacebook.com/billingssymphony

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Billings Symphony