Tessitura Software Users Expand; Performing Arts Organization Users Form The Tessitura Network

Alternative to Traditional Software Companies Now Exists For Arts Organizations

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 14, 2001-- Premier Non-Profit Arts Organizations Select Proven Software That Fully Integrates Box Office Management, Ticketing, Fund Raising and Patron Management and Plan To Operate As Part of A User-Owned Network

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."

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