I cannot help but comment on the recent developments in Detroit, as they so painfully illustrate the enormous challenges that symphony orchestras face now, and into the future. <\/p>\n
Let me begin by saying that these musicians, as well as their colleagues across the country are performing optimally in their jobs, “as they were trained to do.” Performance education is a lifelong pursuit of excellence. I believe I know this from various significant perspectives.<\/p>\n
The catch is, however, that orchestras, and most especially their musicians, must change, or face painful reorganizations, and eventually extinction. There are reasons for this — and there is one chance to survival.<\/p>\n
The reason: orchestras need contributed revenue — lots of it, and in increasing amounts. Efforts to earn additional revenue through clever programming and business-related ventures may help the bottom line some, but only to a minor percentage of bottom line expenses. Orchestras need donors: individuals, government, foundations and corporations. <\/p>\n
These donors are being influenced heavily by pressing societal needs stemming from systemic poverty. With their foundations, Bill and Melinda Gates and Bill Clinton have focused the philanthropic community on health care and education, both at home, but also in other countries. The challenge to orchestras: how do you compete, how do you craft your message, how do you refocus your mission so that you can honestly ask for high levels of contributed revenue?<\/p>\n
The answer: do everything, and do it fast, to make yourselves the voice of the community, the center of expression for the people where you live and work. There is still time (I hope) to make this link. Some orchestras are doing this — and appear to be having success with it. It means retooling and rethinking the role of the orchestra, and yes, of the job description of their musicians. <\/p>\n
Do it fast, do it honestly, make mistakes and learn from them. Yes, there was a time when great orchestral performances of great works were all that was needed for success. This time is past, and is not coming back. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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