Challenging Times For Symphony Orchestras

 It continues to be a challenging time for symphony orchestras in the United States. In the latest instance, the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra is in a dire situation.

Classical music has been a huge part of my life, including serving on boards. It is always a challenging balancing act, when on one hand, you want to present the very best possible performances possible, and on the other hand, tight budgeting can restrict what can be performed.
For many U.S. orchestras, the European model of financing was standard, which was relying upon wealthy benefactors and corporate sponsors to carry much of the weight. Government grants were also common. However, those sources of income are drying up for many orchestras. To make matters worse, the Trump administration has on average been non-supportive of the performing arts.
For any symphony orchestra, ticket sales account for approximately one-third of its income. With the tradition of wealthy benefactors, corporate sponsors and government grants dwindling, there will be more reliance upon individual donors, and that will be challenging in our current financial climate.
My love of classical music remains steadfast. It is sad to see long-standing orchestras faced with difficult decisions, especially when some are faced with closure. I hope that all who value the joy of attending live orchestral concerts will continue to support ensembles in your respective locations.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Day The Earth Stood Still: Relevant for Our Times

Image
  The Day The Earth Stood Still is a movie that stands the test of time. I am referring to the original version that was made in 1951, as opposed to the remake. The film is especially relevant for today's world. I have seen The Day The Earth Stood Still several times. While it is classified in the science fiction genre, there is much in it that reflects the accuracy of both the cold war era and our present situation in the U.S. and throughout the world. If you have never seen the film, I highly recommend it. Michael Rennie portrayed Klaatu, a visitor from outer space who came to Washington D.C. with a message of peace. The immediate response of the U.S. military was to fire on Klaatu. This action was thwarted by Gort, a highly intelligent robot capable of much harm, but restrained when given instructions by Klaatu. Klaatu came to the U.S. to speak first with the world's leading scientists, and then to political leaders. His primary mission was to urge our nations to live ...
Read more

Remembering Bessie (Betty) Fleetwood

Image
  As I continue to advance in my senior years, I find I often reflect on my formative years and realize that I wish I had thanked a multitude of people who were important parts of my life. Most of these people have died, but whenever an opportunity presents itself, I like to reach back and extend gratitude to persons who helped to steer me on a proper path when I was headed in a wrong direction. Such an opportunity presented itself yesterday. My seventh grade teacher (1961 & 1962) at Rochester's #8 School, Bessie Fleetwood (nicknamed Betty), died in 2017 at age 95. I was able to reach out to her surviving family members yesterday and expressed how Mrs. Fleetwood was instrumental in helping me to become a better focused person. She was admittedly strict, but looking back, I must say that her discipline was well placed. Betty Fleetwood (maiden name Plummer) had a very distinguished life. She served with distinction in World War II, and then went on to earn her college and gr...
Read more

Hope for 2026 and Future Generations

  As the ball dropped in Times Square at midnight, I was heartened by the multitudes of young people caught on camera. The first thought that came to mind is these are our future voters, and I asked myself what type of country will they envision as they grow older. The general atmosphere in the U.S. and throughout the world is rather dark right now, but perhaps 2026 will spur the imaginations of people who will be responsible for what occurs within the next two generations. It is sad to think that some young people will follow JD Vance, since he has picked up the mantle from the late Charlie Kirk. Yet, there is hope. Perhaps once Trump is gone, young people will develop an interest in the good things politics can produce under the right conditions, as opposed to following the path of MAGA. It is perhaps too late for people in my generation to change direction in the United States, with the exception of seniors showing up in force to vote in the 2026 midterms. However, young p...
Read more