Stumbled across this interesting article in New Republic:
https://newrepublic.com/article/114221/orchestras-crisis-outreach-ruining-them
I never would have guessed the stalwart Philadelphia Orchestra once helmed by Ormandy would be filing for bankruptcy. They emerged by the skin of their teeth, but I fear this portends a dismal future for classical organizations that manage middle-tier semi-professional orchestras which make up the backbone of American classical music life. More and more are shuttering for lack of financial support. Everything below the "Big Five" might be considered semi-pro or 2nd tier and these orchestras are the ones that are in trouble. Community orchestras affiliated with universities, jr. colleges and other institutions might survive in some form, maybe as chamber orchestras as players demand higher salaries to keep up with the cost of living but the pot to draw on is dry for most of these smaller-city orchestras like the Nashville Symphony (mentioned in the article) which also narrowly avoided closing its doors:
We rely on these institutions (2nd/middle tier) to bring us works by unsung composers we'd never hear otherwise. The Big Five rarely touch them. 95% of their repertoire are the standards with a premiere thrown in every season or so if the donation is generous enough.
Any thoughts on where American orchestras will be 50 years from now?
https://newrepublic.com/article/114221/orchestras-crisis-outreach-ruining-them
I never would have guessed the stalwart Philadelphia Orchestra once helmed by Ormandy would be filing for bankruptcy. They emerged by the skin of their teeth, but I fear this portends a dismal future for classical organizations that manage middle-tier semi-professional orchestras which make up the backbone of American classical music life. More and more are shuttering for lack of financial support. Everything below the "Big Five" might be considered semi-pro or 2nd tier and these orchestras are the ones that are in trouble. Community orchestras affiliated with universities, jr. colleges and other institutions might survive in some form, maybe as chamber orchestras as players demand higher salaries to keep up with the cost of living but the pot to draw on is dry for most of these smaller-city orchestras like the Nashville Symphony (mentioned in the article) which also narrowly avoided closing its doors:
QuoteIn recent years, the Nashville Symphony has been running deficits of $10 to $20 million a year, and a contract with the musicians is about to expire. If recent history is any guide, negotiations will be complex and rancorous.
We rely on these institutions (2nd/middle tier) to bring us works by unsung composers we'd never hear otherwise. The Big Five rarely touch them. 95% of their repertoire are the standards with a premiere thrown in every season or so if the donation is generous enough.
Any thoughts on where American orchestras will be 50 years from now?