Kentucky Symphony Orchestra

What Kentucky Symphony Orchestra does

The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra (KSO), legally Northern Kentucky Symphony Inc., is a Kentucky-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization founded in 1992 and headquartered in Newport, KY. It presents thematic orchestral concerts, education programs, and cultural entertainment to audiences across Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati region, operating three core concert series: a paid five-program Subscription Series (October–May) staged primarily at Greaves Concert Hall at Northern Kentucky University and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains; a free Summer Park Series (July–September) at Devou Park (Covington) and Tower Park (Fort Thomas); and free Education Concerts for grades K-12 delivered in-person and via live stream. The organization operates five subsidiary ensembles — the 21-piece KSO Studio Orchestra (Boogie Band), Newport Ragtime Band, Flood Wall Jazz Quartet, Men in Black Brass Quintet, and KSO Chorale — supporting both subscription programming and education/community outreach.

The KSO's business model blends earned and contributed revenue. Earned revenue comes from tiered single tickets ($19–$35), traditional subscriptions ($150 for five concerts), Flex-Pak vouchers ($162–$208 for six), and virtual passes ($35 single / $100 full series) sold through OvationTix; processing fees add $1.50 per ticket plus 3.5% merchant fees. Contributed revenue comes from a Community Circle of individual donors at six tiers ($50–$999), corporate sponsors (St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Fischer Homes, Cincinnati International Wine Festival, Regal Maid, Schneller Knochlemann, The Party Source), foundation grants (William P. Anderson, Charles H. Dater, R.C. Durr, Duke Energy, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile Jr., Elsa Heisel Sule foundations, plus ArtsWave and Kentucky Arts Council pass-through NEA funding), and an annual Rare Bourbon Raffle. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors (President Troy Hitch) and led by Music & Executive Director James R. Cassidy, with a thin paid management team of four (General Manager, Personnel Manager, Stage Manager). Over 34 seasons the KSO has contracted more than 1,000 individual musicians and reached approximately 500,000 people cumulatively (roughly 400,000 at no charge), with current annual free-program reach near 25,000.

Name

Kentucky Symphony Orchestra

Legal name

Northern Kentucky Symphony Inc.

Website

https://kyso.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1992 that presents paid Subscription Series, free Summer Park Series, and free K-12 Education Concerts across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, supported by individual donations, corporate sponsors, foundation grants, and an annual bourbon raffle.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts / Orchestral Music

NAICS

Musical Groups and Artists (711130), Performing Arts Companies (7111), Fine Arts Schools (61161)

akta.pro primary industry

Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir) (EDAMANAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues) (MPAGALAC)

Keywords

• Orchestral music performances
• Live concert productions
• Music education programs
• Community arts entertainment
• Subscription concert series

Headquarters

HQ city

Newport

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue from single tickets (A seats $35, B seats $27, C seats $19), subscription series ($150 for all five concerts), flex-pak subscriptions ($162-$208), virtual passes ($35-$100), and student/child discounts.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors including program sponsors (Cincinnati International Wine Festival, St. Elizabeth Healthcare), concert sponsors (Fischer Homes, Regal Maid, Schneller Knochlemann), and The Party Source for bourbon raffle.
3. Foundation Grants: Support from multiple foundations including William P. Anderson Foundation, Charles H. Dater Foundation, R.C. Durr Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation, and many others.
4. Individual Donations (Community Circle): Tax-deductible donations from individuals at various levels (Neighbor $50-99, Friend $100-249, Family $250-499, Associate $500-749, Benefactor $750-999). 100% of donations fund programs. Currently with 1:1 matching opportunity up to $5,000 through June 30th.
5. Rare Bourbon Raffle: Annual fundraising raffle featuring rare bourbons. Three raffles: Pappy Van Winkle 5-bottle set ($100/ticket), Buffalo Trace Antique Collection ($50/ticket), and 20 bourbons with 20 winners ($25/ticket). Proceeds fund free concerts and education programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Kentucky Symphony Orchestra is a nonprofit performing arts organization that produces and presents live orchestral concerts and music education programs across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. Its core offering consists of a five-program indoor Subscription Series (October–May), a free outdoor Summer Park Series in Devou and Tower Parks, and free Education Concerts for K-12 students, supported by five subsidiary ensembles covering ragtime, jazz, brass, popular music, and choral repertoire.

Product overview

The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra (KSO) is a nonprofit performing arts organization offering a multi-faceted portfolio centered on live symphonic music. The core offering consists of three concert series: the 5-program Subscription Series (October-May) featuring traditional symphonic performances with thematic programming; the free Summer Park Series (July-September) at outdoor venues in Devou and Tower Parks; and free Education Concerts for K-12 students including 'Back in My Day' and 'Rags to Riches' programs. Supporting the main orchestra are five subsidiary ensembles: the 21-piece KSO Studio Orchestra (Boogie Band) for popular music; the 9-piece Newport Ragtime Band for ragtime/early jazz; the Flood Wall Jazz Quartet; the Men in Black Brass Quintet for education outreach; and the KSO Chorale for choral-orchestral works. The KSO also offers audio recordings, virtual/streaming passes, Flex-Pak subscriptions, and operates an annual Rare Bourbon Raffle as a major fundraiser. The organization provides free performances to approximately 25,000 people annually.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• KSO 2025-26 Subscription Series Main indoor ticketed concert series featuring five programs of orchestral music with original thematic programming (e.g., incorporating silent films, dancers, comedians, opera, alternative rock), held October through May for individual ticket buyers and subscribers in the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati region.
• Summer Park Series Free outdoor orchestral concert series presented Saturday evenings at Devou Park (Covington) and Sunday evenings at Tower Park (Fort Thomas) from July through September, with three programs performed twice each weekend for the regional community (e.g., 'From Sea to Shining Sea', 'Swingin' the Classics', 'Living in America' in 2026).
• Education Concerts Free orchestral music education concerts for K-12 students in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati schools, available in-person and via live stream. Programs include 'Getting to Know You' (orchestra introduction) and 'Back in My Day' (orchestra history).
• Rags to Riches Education Program Free Black History Month education program tracing the roots of American musical heritage (ragtime, blues, early jazz, 1898-1933) for grades 6-12, featuring the Newport Ragtime Band, delivered in-person and via live stream.
• KSO Studio Orchestra (Boogie Band) 21-piece subsidiary band performing authentic popular music including country, Latin, R&B, 60s, 70s, and 80s styles for full evening listening and dancing events.
• Newport Ragtime Band 9-piece subsidiary band specializing in authentic American ragtime and early jazz music from 1897-1929, featuring works by Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton, and local Cincinnati musicians.
• Flood Wall Jazz Quartet Jazz subsidiary ensemble (often appearing as a quintet) performing the jazz suites of Claude Bolling, which combine jazz stylings with traditional classical forms.
• Men in Black Brass Quintet Standard brass quintet (2 trumpets, French horn, trombone, tuba) that delivers KSO's education outreach concerts and clinics in schools.
• KSO Chorale Choral subsidiary group formed in 1999 that explores a variety of choral/orchestral works including area premieres and standard repertoire, performing with the KSO on major works.
• Audio Recordings CD recordings from various KSO groups including Newport Ragtime Band (Rags to Riches), Frank Sinatra tribute, Flood Wall Jazz Quintet (Claude Bolling suites), and Boogie Band (Boogie Bytes).
• Rare Bourbon Raffle Annual fundraising raffle featuring rare bourbons, including three drawings: Pappy Van Winkle 5-bottle set ($100/ticket), Buffalo Trace Antique Collection ($50/ticket), and a 20-bourbons/20-winners raffle ($25/ticket). Proceeds fund free concerts and education programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 500,000 people served over 20 seasons (400,000 at no charge)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 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

Integration7 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ArtsWavecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor community arts organization providing funding and support. Listed under Community and Government Support on KSO sponsors page.
• Kentucky Arts CouncilcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerState arts agency supporting KSO with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.
• Northern Kentucky University (NKU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome venue at Greaves Concert Hall, Fine Arts Center. NKU campus location for Subscription Series performances and auditions.
• Cincinnati International Wine FestivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram Sponsor for KSO programs.
• St. Elizabeth HealthcareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram Sponsor for KSO programs.
• Fischer HomesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConcert Sponsor for KSO performances.
• The Party SourceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBourbon raffle sponsor generously providing bourbon prizes for annual Rare Bourbon Raffle fundraising event.
• City of Covington, KentuckycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal support for KSO operations. Devou Park located in Covington.
• City of Fort Thomas, KentuckycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal support for KSO operations. Tower Park venue located in Fort Thomas.
• Hotel CovingtonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Hotel of the KSO. Provides lodging support for visiting artists and guests.
• Seven Hills ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for education concerts in Florence, KY. Hosts 'Back in My Day' and 'Rags to Riches' programs for school groups.
• Cincinnati OperaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical collaboration with local arts organization.
• Cincinnati BalletminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical collaboration with local arts organization.
• Cincinnati Shakespeare CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical collaboration with local arts organization.
• Playhouse in the ParkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical collaboration with local arts organization.
• Taft MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical collaboration with local community institution.
• Cincinnati ObservatoryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical collaboration with community institution for thematic programming.
• Kentucky National GuardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical collaboration with community institution.
• Woodside Cemetery and ArboretumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecial event venue partner for 'Primitive Pop' concert in Middletown, OH.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: Larger, established professional orchestra based in Cincinnati sharing the same regional market as KSO. Directly relevant comparable on product (symphonic performances) and customer base, though operates at a much larger budget tier with national and international touring.
• Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra: Larger Midwestern regional symphony with comparable educational and pops programming. Slightly larger scale but similar mid-tier operating model within a comparable Midwestern city footprint.
• St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Major regional symphony serving a comparable Midwestern metropolitan area. Operates education and community engagement programs analogous to KSO's Education and Summer Park Series.
• Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Pops orchestra affiliated with the Cincinnati Symphony, sharing the same market. Comparable on pops/light-classical programming philosophy and accessible family-friendly performance model.

Direct peers

• Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra: Kentucky-based regional symphony operating in a comparable Mid-size city with subscription and education series. Same state — most directly comparable in regional context.
• Louisville Orchestra: Regional Kentucky-based symphony orchestra of comparable size presenting symphonic and pops programming. Closest direct peer — same state, similar community-based mission, similar non-profit funding model.
• Columbus Symphony Orchestra: Ohio-based regional symphony presenting subscription, pops, and family/education programming. Comparable tier of orchestra operating in a mid-sized Midwestern market with similar educational outreach.
• Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra: Mid-sized regional symphony orchestra serving the greater Dayton, Ohio area. Comparable in operating scale, subscription concert count, and community engagement programming.
• Fort Wayne Philharmonic: Regional orchestra similar in size to KSO, presenting symphonic and pops concerts with education programming. Direct match on operating scale, mission, and community-based model.

Others

• ArtsWave: Community arts funder and partner to KSO that provides grants and cross-promotion. Indirect ecosystem participant — not a competing performer but a key funding channel for the Greater Cincinnati arts sector.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/KSOMusic
• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/Kentucky-Symphony-Orchestra/95422381938
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kentucky-symphony-orchestra

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries5 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 Kentucky Symphony Orchestra