08/14/2001
Tessitura(TM) Software, originally known in the industry as Impresario, was recently chosen by three additional performing arts organizations to be their core enterprise software. The Seattle Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and City Center (New York) join an elite group of performing arts' companies that include:
- San Francisco Symphony
- The Santa Fe Opera
- The Metropolitan Opera
This fully integrated ticketing, box office, fund raising and patron management software was initially developed by The Metropolitan Opera for their own enterprise use and was successfully installed for the 1999 season. "The decision to fund a major software development effort instead of buying an existing package was a significant step for the MET, but we felt it was a very necessary one," said Smeeta Sharon, who is responsible for business operations at The Metropolitan Opera. "After realizing that existing software providers either had expensive fund raising and patron management software or complex and costly box office software, but not both in a well-integrated package, we decided that we knew what we wanted as the ideal for our operations and we built it from the ground up. It was also very important, given the many changes, buyouts and bankruptcies in the ticketing software business, that we be able to support these mission critical applications ourselves," she added.
"Having other performing arts companies using the software was not part of our plan initially," said Sharon. She continued, "However, the level of interest among other performing arts companies became apparent quickly. Companies that had sought suitable integrated enterprise software in vain wanted to know if Tessitura would be available for their use. This was almost a reverse marketing effort. We resisted expanding it further until major organizations kept calling and then passed a qualifying review to insure their internal infrastructure and technology resources were well suited to install and operate the software. Now we have decided to expand the software wherever it can be appropriately used and are supporting a user-formed entity that puts a solid business model behind the strong user base."
Tom Morris, Director of Administration for The Santa Fe Opera, commented, "We are in full operation and are very happy with the software and with the formation of a Tessitura user Network to support and expand the software user base. The excitement of the users at the first Tessitura Network meeting held in July in Santa Fe was across the board. We are pleased to be part of this new model for user defined support and development."
Rich Dowsek, Director of Finance and Administration for the Lyric Opera of Chicago, added, "Lyric staff and consultants went through an exhaustive software search and evaluation process before we decided on Tessitura. Full integration, ease of operation and a solid track record of satisfied users were key determiners in our recent decision. Now with the Tessitura Network being formed and an innovative Web front end being finalized, all the ingredients we require for future operations are in place."
The Metropolitan Opera has retained Jack Rubin to expand the licensee base of Tessitura. Jack Rubin, currently President of MorningStar Resource Group was most recently CEO and President of an Internet-based box office and ticketing company and served as Chief Financial and Strategic Officer for the IPO in 2000 of a large, high-growth, profitable company booking discount hotel rooms over the Internet. He is also assisting in the Tessitura Network formation. Jack commented, "This software is truly the gold standard for this significant market segment. It is fully integrated, battle-tested by premier users and supported by a quality team. We hope that any major symphony, opera and arts center considering a software review or platform change anytime in the foreseeable future will take a look at the features, technology and advantages of this strong enterprise package. They will be impressed. The software stands by itself and the user-funded support and development operating model is non-traditional and exciting to be part of."
About Tessitura
Tessitura is a software application that enables an integrated approach to "constituent management." Using a single database of information capable of tracking detailed data, the system enables the user organization to record, track and manage all contacts with its constituents, marketing and fund raising appeals, customer service contacts and ticketing and membership transactions. Besides fully enabling efficient business and ticketing operations, a key benefit of the system is to enable the relationship managers to have a full-view of each constituent -- their history, preferences and all contacts with the institution. This view coupled with in-depth analysis of the effectiveness of various marketing and fund raising appeals allows for a highly cost-efficient and effective relationship management tool.
About The Metropolitan Opera
From its opening in 1883, The Metropolitan Opera has been one of the world's leading opera companies. Today, the Met's preeminent position rests on the elements that established its reputation: high quality performances with many of the world's most renowned artists, a superior company of orchestral and choral musicians, a large repertory of works, and the resources to make performances available to the public. The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center stages more than two hundred performances of opera in New York. More than 800,000 people attend the performances in the opera house during the season. Millions more, throughout the world, experience The Metropolitan Opera on television, radio, on tour and recordings.
Tessitura Marketing and Tessitura Network Contact:
Jack Rubin, (214) 265-1908
jrubin@tessiturasoftware.com
or
The Metropolitan Opera
Smeeta Sharon, (212) 799-3100