perilous life of symphony orchestras artistic triumphs and economic challenges

Analysis of the economic challenges facing symphony orchestras, contrasting the experience of orchestras in the United States (where there is little direct government support) and abroad (where governments typically provide large direct subsidies). Explanation of the tension between artistic excellence and financial jeopardy that confronts most symphony orchestras. Survey of three complementary strategies for addressing orchestras’ economic challenges—raising performance revenues, slowing the growth of performance expenses, and increasing nonperformance income—none of the three strategies alone is likely to provide economic security for orchestras.