ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, which was on the brink of bankruptcy in 2001, said Friday it has made inroads building attendance and revenue, even in a challenging economy.

The symphony, reporting on the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, said it made progress reducing its deficit, stabilizing attendance, launching a successful new summer series, and surpassing fundraising expectations.

The end of the fiscal year was capped by more good news; in August, the symphony received an anonymous $5 million gift for developing a larger audience. That will help with programming and marketing, making the orchestra more visible on TV, radio, print, and billboard ads, said Fred Bronstein, new president and executive director.

The nation's second oldest orchestra, founded in 1880, is widely regarded as among the nation's finest. But a decade ago, it was plunged into a painful period of near bankruptcy and extinction, exacerbated by a musicians strike, from which it has emerged only recently.

It still faces financial challenges, but Bronstein said the institution has a plan to build operating revenues, annual fundraising, corporate sponsorships and ticket sales.

The orchestra also has made progress building new audiences, and dispelling a perception that its musical offerings are only for a certain type of customer.

This past summer, the symphony launched a new Casual Classics series, including a night of Gershwin, that surpassed attendance and revenue goals.

At the start of this season, the orchestra performed a Lord of the Rings symphony, which sold out two performances and even a dress rehearsal. Half of those in attendance had never before been to Powell Hall.

Popular programming will continue throughout the season. They include a performance by the Preservation Hall Band and the orchestra performing the music to the "Wizard of Oz" while the audience views the movie.

Expect more of such concerts, especially under music director, David Robertson, an aficionado of American contemporary music, and one of the world's most sought-after conductors.

"We want to create a sense that Powell Hall is the place to be, and that there is something for everyone," Bronstein said.

"We want them to come and have a great experience, and ask 'why didn't I come to this before?"'

Bronstein joined St. Louis full time in March. He helped the Dallas Symphony Orchestra turn around a similar economic challenge.

He said most symphonies face similar challenges of building audience and revenue.

"The trick is how do you make something fresh and new, and yet stay true to what you are?" he said. "You do it programatically, use the orchestra in different way."

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)