By Cliff Peale
Enquirer staff writer

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra will seek reconfiguration of Music Hall, including a smaller performance space, a gift shop, restaurant and donor lounge, the organization said Thursday.

In approving a long-term strategic plan under development for months, orchestra trustees reiterated a commitment to retain high artistic standards, but also signaled a need to improve the organization's financial position.

"We have to really change the environment in which we perform," said board chairman Dan Hoffheimer. "And we assume that is going to be Music Hall. But this is something critical to the future of the orchestra. We have to do this."

Orchestra officials said they have not yet met with their landlord, the Cincinnati Arts Association which manages Music Hall for the City of Cincinnati. Architects and designers for the proposed renovation have not yet been hired and there is no estimate of the project cost, Hoffheimer said.

Thursday's announcement comes at a key time for the board, which faces expiration of the labor contract with its 99 musicians at the end of August.

Negotiations on a new agreement are expected to be pivotal in setting the tone for the financial direction of the orchestra.

Although it is Cincinnati's richest arts organization with a $31.9 million budget and an endowment of nearly $70 million, the orchestra had been facing a bleak financial year with an expected $1.45 million deficit.

But an anonymous donor has pledged enough to wipe out any accumulated deficit at the end of this fiscal year, Aug. 31, meaning the organization will start with a clean financial slate.

The Victorian Gothic-style Music Hall, at 1241 Elm St. in Over-the-Rhine, was built in 1878.

Hoffheimer said the following changes are envisioned:

• A smaller performance hall: At 3,417 seats, the hall is considered too big, and plans could include cutting off parts of the gallery or extending the stage.

• Spaces for food, gift sales and a lounge for symphony donors. The current facilities are "not acceptable, " Hoffheimer said.

• Administration: While it doesn't necessarily need more staff, the organization needs more software and better office space, Hoffheimer said.

E-mail cpeale@enquirer.com