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July 31, 2008

Economy Poses Threat for Touring Orchestras

In the wake of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s cancellation of an international tour due to shaky economic conditions, other major American classical ensembles are girding themselves for their own treks abroad, despite a weak dollar, sparse financial support, and rising travel costs, according to The New York Times.

The Philadelphia Orchestra, which announced the cancellation of its European tour on July 29, was slated to debut its new chief conductor and music adviser, Charles Dutoit, on the trip. But sponsorships by the organization’s usual corporate donors did not materialize in time, said James Undercofler, the orchestra’s president. “You go to the people you’ve been counting on, and they say they can’t do it this time,” he said. He declined to identify the companies.

Orchestras, which often appear at festivals while on tour, must rely on financial help from corporate and individual sponsors to cover their costs because the fees paid to them by the festivals are insufficient, says Mr. Undercofler.

Other classical ensembles slated to tour Asia and Europe within the next year and a half include orchestras in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, and San Francisco. All say they intend to go ahead with their plans.

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