imported_administrator

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is projecting a $1.5 million budget deficit this year, its worst in a decade.

Symphony trustees are to meet next week to figure out what to do. They could vote to raise ticket prices or ask donors for more money. However, board vice chairman Rick Reynolds says laying off musicians isn't an option right now.

The American Symphony Orchestra League says up to three-quarters of larger symphonies are expected to posts deficits this year. Smaller audiences, larger production costs and stock-market losses all are contributing to the problem.

© Associated Press and Dispatch Productions, Inc., 2004

Mikey

Time to dust off your commercial chops. I saw the writing on the wall a few years ago, and at least 70% of my gigging income is from commercial/lead gigs now.

The big orchestras with large endowments will make it; the 2nd and 3rd tier orchestras will have a rough time.

People my age (44) and younger are not atttending symphony concerts, and as the grey heads die off, nobody is taking their place.

Sad, but I don't see it getting better.

Mike