Copy shortlink: For the second year in a row, the Minnesota Orchestra posted a record-breaking deficit. The operating loss of $11.7 million reported Thursday is the largest in its history, topping last year's $8.8 million. COVID-19 is one obvious cause. Financial results for fiscal year 2020, which ended Aug. 31, capture the first months of the pandemic, which shuttered Orchestra Hall along with theaters and concert halls across the country. The orchestra had to cancel 52 ticketed concerts and 19 rental events, leading to a $2.7 million drop in revenue from tickets, rentals and concessions compared with the year before. The pandemic also scotched the nonprofit's biggest fundraiser, one factor in a drop in contributed revenue.