Why?

     Classical music seems to be on the back burner of today's musical world. The once powerful form of music is now an afterthought that, sadly, seems to be taken for granted. Many of our orchestras are suffering financial deficits which threaten their very existence. These financial deficits are the results of poor patron attendance, an unfortunate reality for many of our major orchestras.
    
     In Columbus, the local symphony nearly vanished beneath the green waves of debt and deficit due to poor attendance resulting in vastly reduced ticket sales during the 2007-2008 season. This deficit had been building over several years and it was only when the orchestra was doomed to sink, the community seemed to take notice. At the notion of losing this staple of Columbus, people from around the world worked to aid the musicians of the orchestra and the organization. Through editorials, blogs, and word of mouth, the symphony was given another breath ($500,000 donation from one of the Symphony's board members) and was allowed to finish its 2007-2008 season.

     Just this year the Cleveland Orchestra, what many people consider to be the finest orchestra in the world, struck over similar salary issues. Although the issue was resolved quickly, it still struck an ominous chord amongst the patrons of the Cleveland Orchestra and the classical musical world. This was a shocking occurrence to the musical community and it shed more light on this growing issue.

     Why do our orchestras struggle to bring in the money and the patrons to stay afloat and remain a part in our culture and our society? Some may point to the tough economy, but I believe there is something else, something bigger, going on.