The perilous life of symphony orchestras : artistic triumphs and economic challenges

This book analyzes the economic challenges facing symphony orchestras and contrasts the experience of orchestras in the United States (where there is little direct government support) and abroad (where governments typically provide large direct subsidies). Robert J. Flanagan explains the tension between artistic excellence and financial jeopardy that confronts most symphony orchestras. He analyzes three complementary strategies for addressing orchestras’ economic challenges—raising performance revenues, slowing the growth of performance expenses, and increasing nonperformance income—and demonstrates that none of the three strategies alone is likely to provide economic security for orchestras. This Book Analyzes The Economic Challenges Facing U.s. Symphony Orchestras And Contrasts The Experience Of Orchestras In The United States (where There Is Little Direct Government Support) And Abroad (where Governments Typically Provide Large Direct Subsidies). Robert J. Flanagan Explains The Tension Between Artistic Excellence And Financial Jeopardy That Confronts Most Symphony Orchestras And Analyzes Proposed Solutions. The Economic Difficulties Are Rooted In The Limited Opportunities For Increasing Productivity In The Arts, A Situation That Produces Ongoing Cost Pressures And Structural Budget Deficits. -- Book Jacket. Surpluses, Deficits, And Symphony Orchestras -- Why Are Surpluses So Difficult To Maintain? -- Cost Disease Or Business Cycles? -- Snapshots Of Symphony Orchestra Finances -- The Search For Symphony Audiences -- Artistic And Nonartistic Costs -- Government Support Of Orchestras -- Private Support Of Orchestras -- Symphony Orchestra Endowments And Governance -- How Do Other Countries Support Their Orchestras? -- The Economic Future Of Symphony Orchestras. Robert J. Flanagan. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [213]-218) And Index.