The Plight of Symphony Orchestras in the United States
The recession has brought many problems and symphonies are being hard hit. Their funding is being drastically cut. Ticket sales have been lagging and many symphonies have had to make major cut backs. Musicians are taking salary cuts and benefits reductions in order to help their organizations stay afloat. This isn't just happening in the United States, but all over the world.
The Columbus Ohio Symphony has reduced their season to just 23 weeks. They have slashed their season to more than half the weeks that they might normally play. They have also taken pay cuts and reduced the amount of full time musicians that they keep on payroll.
In Denver, Colorado the Colorado Symphony has taken pay cuts and benefits reductions. All of these symphonies provide their communities with something that is unique. Musicians in these symphonies work hard. They not only rehearse and perform, but also practice on their own. They give lessons to private students and or to students at local universities and schools. Most classical musicians have at least a master's degree. Many of them work several jobs to make ends meet.
Baltimore, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Cleveland musicians have taken either pay cuts or salary freezes. What a shame it would be if we lose these wonderful symphonies and the music that is so beautiful that they provide. Most symphonies give back to their communities by providing free concerts in appreciation for financial support.
The major changes in our government is changing the very fabric or our country. At times I no longer recognize my country. Since the financial crisis occurred and this recession has started our country has done some very astonishing things to say the least. The government continues to spend at an alarming rate. Americans in all walks of life are waiting for relief. I wish I felt that we are on the right path.
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Published by Pat Bartels
Previously employed in the Human Resources field, Pat enjoys traveling and tweaking computers when she is not writing articles for Associated Content and Factoidz. She is fascinated with personal finance, th... View profile
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14 Comments
Post a CommentUnfortunately, the recession has hit a lot of great orchestras. Good topic.
We need to keep our cultural heritage alive and well for the next generation.
Pat, it seems like all entertainment is getting hit hard. I watched a clip about the music industry, and it said that some musicians were selling concert tickets for as low as $1 on the web. (Some reported this about Cold Play.) Too, I've never seen an advertisement for help at Medieval Times in Dallas, but I saw one on their billboard just last week. The economy seems to be getting worse, instead of better.
Got over 100 comments to return before the Internet goes out tonight :(
So sad that people aren't supporting cultural entertainment like this.
Yes.... our very culture seems top be sliding downhill... and it is not all because of economics!
Good info on this sad state of funding for entertainment such as this.
I love when the Moody Blues play with an orchastra. I wish more bands would consider doing that.
Tragic, I agree Pat, the Government is taking too much away from us!
We had one back home that was just amazing. Luckily, there was enough money in town to keep it afloat.