PaSO by the Numbers

Since its founding in 1997, the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra has become one of the most important institutions promoting Polish music and culture outside of Poland, serving both the Polish-American community and the broader cultural life of Chicago.

Impact at a Glance

340+ Concerts Presented

450,000+ Audience Members

45,000+ Students Reached

240+ Works by Polish Composers Performed

72% Operating Costs Covered by Ticket Sales

Artistic Activity

The PaSO concert season runs from September through May, presenting 7–9 productions annually.

The repertoire ranges from symphonic and operatic concerts to chamber music, recitals, operettas, musicals, and large-scale entertainment productions, as well as festivals and artistic workshops.

Audience Reach

PaSO performances have attracted more than 350,000 listeners, with an average audience of approximately 1,230 people per concert in recent seasons.

Approximately 25–30% of attendees are English-speaking listeners, reflecting the orchestra’s growing reach beyond the Polish-American community.

Educational Impact

PaSO’s educational initiatives include:

morning concerts for schools
performances in schools
artistic workshops and lectures
radio programs and media outreach

Financial Strength

PaSO demonstrates exceptional financial efficiency.

Approximately 72% of the orchestra’s operating costs are covered by ticket sales, compared with a U.S. orchestral average of about 37%.

This reflects strong audience engagement and responsible financial management.

Institutional Recognition

PaSO is a member of leading cultural organizations in the United States:

American Symphony Orchestra League
Illinois Council of Orchestras
Illinois Arts Alliance
Americans for the Arts
American Federation of Musicians
Donors Forum
National Association for Music Education

In 2016, the Illinois Arts Council recognized PaSO as one of the leading professional music institutions in the state.