Florida’s orchestral buffs are in a bunch about a rumored deal between the ever-under-construction Greater Miami Performing Arts Center and the Cleveland Orchestra. Rumor has it that, because South Florida lacks a resident symphony since theirs went belly up, the new PAC is planning to outsource that job to Cleveland.
The deal might include an annual series of extended residencies in Miami by the orchestra, which excites some major donors and music lovers, but outrages boosters of rebuilding the local symphony. Says one musician:
”Every city has the responsibility of supporting its own culture,” writes Philharmonic cellist Robert Moore. ”Lack of cultural support leads to the end of civilizations. It’s ironic that Baghdad has a symphony of its own and we do not.”
While we could argue whether the lack of a local symphony is a prelude to the apocalypse, this ‘shared’ orchestra may well be a sign of things to come. And even the New York Times is starting to wonder out loud if every community really needs a symphony (or a hocky team).
