Anchorage Concert Association

Mission :
Our mission is to promote and maintain performing arts excellence in the community.

Bringing the world's finest performing artists from the greatest stages to Anchorage.

The Anchorage Concert Association, a non-profit corporation, was founded in 1950 by a group of classical music enthusiasts committed to bringing the finest classical performing artists to perform for the people of Anchorage. Today, our purpose includes the presentation of internationally acclaimed artists from the entire spectrum of the performing arts to Alaska for public performances and education activities that entertain, uplift, educate and inspire audiences, students and local artists. We believe the arts benefit everyone. Therefore we strive to provide access and exposure to a broad spectrum of the population and also to those who might not otherwise afford to attend arts events.

Since 1950 the Anchorage Concert Association has presented over 700 performances of the world's finest music, dance and theatre. During the 2006-2007 Concert Season, the curtain will rise on 17 of the world's greatest artists. Our small staff handles everything from selecting artists and presenting productions to marketing the events and raising additional funds necessary to cover all the costs. Our volunteer group known as the "Associates" provide assistance to staff which provide behind-the-scenes assistance that make the season a success.

The Anchorage Concert Association is the largest institution for the arts in our community and provides a key anchor in the touring schedules of artists for the Northwest. Our audiences are the largest for fine performing arts in the state. They come from Greater Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, all over the Kenai Peninsula and even as far away as Barrow. Over 100,000 people of every age, income and cultural background will attend a Anchorage Concert Association performance during the coming season.

Since its inception, the Anchorage Concert Association has included education programs in its regular season schedule. Master classes, lectures, demonstrations and workshops are held in local elementary schools, high schools, universities, community centers and in partnership with other arts organizations. In addition, over 5,000 performance tickets are regularly provided to a variety of schools and social service agencies in the Greater Anchorage area.

The organization's fiscal health is reflected by the fact that 75% of each season's budget, currently $4 million, is earned through ticket sales. The balance comes from community-spirited businesses and individuals, with less than 3 percent from government grants. Contributions to the ACA keep tickets prices affordable and support artist fees, shipping and transportation costs, and education programs.