Money Money Money
Money is evidently quite a problem, then. Orchestras have none, the common musician (who, let us remind ourselves, engages in an activity which is highly uncommon and second to none in its demands, skill, training and requirement of intellect and talent) has barely enough to support a family, yet most conductors and soloists will require (I assume due mostly to pressure from management and agents) a huge fee.
Obviously, the individuals at the top of their game will always require higher pay, and can always demand it - whatever the industry. However, in such a cash strapped environment such as music, where institutions and individuals are literally fighting to survive, the greed of certain people and organisations is, to me, quite quite disgusting. In an environment where companies, like, lets say banks, are struggling to survive (not likely), it is a different matter. These are nothing more than companies out to make money and provide jobs. They perform no other function than to provide a service which will always be available somewhere else. Orchestras and musicians provide high art and culture which is all too rare as it is. To abolish these organisations or to let them die would be a crime. Yet, this was once recommended by the Hoffman Report a decade or so ago, on behalf of the government. It recommended that Philharmonia Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra should be abolished. Thankfully this never happened.
In Spain, the problem with financing the arts is non-existent, as far as I'm aware. All large firms, including Banks, are obliged by law to donate a percentage of their earnings to arts and classical music. This has resulted in not only easing the financial pressure off orchestras (they'll always get by!), but more importantly, it is free of charge to see a concert, for anyone, anywhere. Such an inspirational tactic seems to work very well there. Can this be considered for the UK? Banks earn far too much as it is, and harm many people in the process. It's time we saw them give something back.
There is a very interesting website, which I will decline to give out publicly, which publishes the tax and earning details of American non-profit organisations. Each organisation has to list its top five earners and what they earn. If you find this site, check out the big orchestras. It's quite alarming if you are not familiar with what sorts of fees conductors and soloists demand. Happy hunting!
The Musical Genius
Obviously, the individuals at the top of their game will always require higher pay, and can always demand it - whatever the industry. However, in such a cash strapped environment such as music, where institutions and individuals are literally fighting to survive, the greed of certain people and organisations is, to me, quite quite disgusting. In an environment where companies, like, lets say banks, are struggling to survive (not likely), it is a different matter. These are nothing more than companies out to make money and provide jobs. They perform no other function than to provide a service which will always be available somewhere else. Orchestras and musicians provide high art and culture which is all too rare as it is. To abolish these organisations or to let them die would be a crime. Yet, this was once recommended by the Hoffman Report a decade or so ago, on behalf of the government. It recommended that Philharmonia Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra should be abolished. Thankfully this never happened.
In Spain, the problem with financing the arts is non-existent, as far as I'm aware. All large firms, including Banks, are obliged by law to donate a percentage of their earnings to arts and classical music. This has resulted in not only easing the financial pressure off orchestras (they'll always get by!), but more importantly, it is free of charge to see a concert, for anyone, anywhere. Such an inspirational tactic seems to work very well there. Can this be considered for the UK? Banks earn far too much as it is, and harm many people in the process. It's time we saw them give something back.
There is a very interesting website, which I will decline to give out publicly, which publishes the tax and earning details of American non-profit organisations. Each organisation has to list its top five earners and what they earn. If you find this site, check out the big orchestras. It's quite alarming if you are not familiar with what sorts of fees conductors and soloists demand. Happy hunting!
The Musical Genius
posted by The Musical Genius at 4:53 AM
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