Thanks. 
My Dreams dampened in the Columbus Symphony
April 19, 2009 in Musician's Life by David H. Thomas
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra. The Columbus Symphony is where I play, and where I have played for almost 2 decades. When I first moved here to begin the job, there were 18 big, classical subscription concerts per year. Now there are fewer than 12. Orchestras which used to be several notches below us in pay and fame are now jobs which I wish I had! I thought orchestras were supposed to GROW over the years, not shrivel!
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We were already down to 15 Classical Concerts when I got here in 1997. Back then, we also used to perform 3 concerts of each program, as opposed to 2 now. The orchestras of Nashville, Fort Worth and North Carolina (among others) are now ahead of us. No one can expect me to believe that the economies in those cities are that much stronger than here in Columbus. The current pickle we’re in was started decades ago with the gradual shrinking of our classical season, imperceptible to almost everyone but the musicians. You’re right- you can’t grow an orchestra by shrinking it.
David, glad to finally get on to your blog again – I had misplaced it, or something, several months ago. I can not really deal with, nor resolve, our shrinking (etc.) problems – a LOT of excelent and worthwhile programs/organizations DO seem to be suffering similar problems right now – we do KNOW this to shall pass! Meanwhile, we ARE glad you are with the Columbus Symphony. The Higdon Concerto was out of sight – very exciting to hear, and I am positive, very “exciting” to play! Next, the circus .
Our classical masterworks concert series here in Charleston, SC are also shrinking. We had 8 masterworks concerts this year, where I’ve been told they used to do 10 or 12. I know we’re much smaller than your orchestra, but it certainly is happening all over. It’s so sad!
Hi Gretchen. My parents live in Charleston. Frank and Ann Hurd-Thomas. They attend the Charleston Symphony regularly, and are sad about the cutbacks. You would think that one of the richest retirement cities in the US would be able to sustain a small orchestra easily!
you would wouldn’t you?? There’s definitely money here. LOTS of it, but our board doesn’t seem to be too excited on making the effort to find it. Isn’t there anyone out there who knows how to successfully run an orchestra!? Our exec. dir. just announced her retirement, so we’re on a search again. sigh…
@Gretchen: It’s the same in Columbus- Lots of money, little ability to harness it.