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| Source: Arsht Center |
"The management of the debt-burdened Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) canceled the rest of its season on Saturday, after executives and the players failed to resolve a strike that has lasted four and a half months." -- The New York Times, Feb. 19, 2011
ANALYSIS:
This was not the first musicians strike for the DSO, for they also recovered from one in 1969. One might think that a strike is terrible, but how much different is it today than from 40 years ago? Today there are less audiences today who enjoy classical music. It is still prevalent— just on a smaller scale. I don't think there is much to worry about for classical music businesses. There are always labor strikes that occur through different organizations: schools, rail workers, oil manufacturers.
Audiences should not be surprised if a symphony suffers from a strike, loss of profit or bankruptcy. If one symphony closes that does not mean they are all doomed. Classical musicians strike for a higher salary to reflect their talent and years of training to become one of the top elite musicians in the world. Sounds reasonable, no?
Of course, there are symphonies around the world who are making grand profits. Let's take into consideration two of the greatest in America; Boston Symphony and the L.A Philharmonic. They're always making large sums of profits and selling out tickets.
ANALYSIS:
This was not the first musicians strike for the DSO, for they also recovered from one in 1969. One might think that a strike is terrible, but how much different is it today than from 40 years ago? Today there are less audiences today who enjoy classical music. It is still prevalent— just on a smaller scale. I don't think there is much to worry about for classical music businesses. There are always labor strikes that occur through different organizations: schools, rail workers, oil manufacturers.
Audiences should not be surprised if a symphony suffers from a strike, loss of profit or bankruptcy. If one symphony closes that does not mean they are all doomed. Classical musicians strike for a higher salary to reflect their talent and years of training to become one of the top elite musicians in the world. Sounds reasonable, no?
Of course, there are symphonies around the world who are making grand profits. Let's take into consideration two of the greatest in America; Boston Symphony and the L.A Philharmonic. They're always making large sums of profits and selling out tickets.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Does everyone think the future for symphonies are going downhill, or are people judging classical music business without enough information to decide? Are these inaccurate assumptions?
2. What positive things are available in the future of classical music? Will any of them help business?
3. If solving the music crisis was easy, someone would have figured it out already. What are music organizations missing in order to help business? Can improving administration in the arts field help profits?
2. What positive things are available in the future of classical music? Will any of them help business?
3. If solving the music crisis was easy, someone would have figured it out already. What are music organizations missing in order to help business? Can improving administration in the arts field help profits?
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