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New exec aims
to raise more
symphony money

The newly hired director has
a 'record of success' in
financing orchestras

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By Tim Ryan
Star-Bulletin

Stephen D. Bloom, executive director of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, has been selected by the Honolulu Symphony board of directors to run the organization at least through the 2001-2002 season.

The symphony "has some obvious financial needs, and one of the things I've been successful in doing in Tacoma is bringing financial resources to the organization," said Bloom, 31, in a telephone interview from Tacoma, Wash.

Bloom, who replaces interim symphony director John E. Graham, begins Dec. 1 with a still-to-be-signed contract that will last about 19 months, said Robert Levy, symphony board chairman.

Bloom "brings a record of success in orchestra management and a thorough knowledge of this unique business ... in helping orchestras achieve a sound financial footing," Levy said.

The former Honolulu Symphony director, Michael Tiknis, resigned earlier this year to become president and chief executive officer for the Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, Mich.

Bloom said a major part of his plan will be to increase individual, corporate and foundation donations, attract more season subscribers and hold more fund-raisers and auctions.

"It's all part of the puzzle of getting a cohesive plan in place," he said.

When Bloom took over in Tacoma, the organization's deficit was about $100,000, with an annual operating budget of $286,000. The Tacoma Symphony's current annual operating budget is about $1 million, Bloom said.

Honolulu Symphony officials and Bloom declined to disclose his salary.

But Bloom in 1999 reportedly received less than $50,000 in his Tacoma post and is believed to be getting as much as $85,000 with the Honolulu Symphony, sources said. Tiknis' salary at the time of his resignation was $105,000, plus a car and other perks.

Bloom was selected from more than 35 "serious" applicants for the Honolulu post that was narrowed to five candidates, a symphony spokesperson said.

Before Tacoma, Bloom served as director of operations and personnel for the Sacramento Symphony and general manager of the Buffalo Philharmonic, where he worked with Tiknis, who was executive director.

Bloom, currently president of the Washington State Arts Alliance, received his bachelor of arts degree in music education at the State University of New York at Potsdam.