Orchestras sound sour note over economy

When you live in a classical music capital like Los Angeles, it's easy to take certain things for granted. Like having one of the best symphony orchestras in the world. Like the ability to attract top-notch talent. Like the secure feeling that our city's musical culture will withstand the brutalities of the current economic recession.

Knock on violin wood.

But other cities aren't so lucky, and in the past few weeks, major (and not-so-major) orchestras around the country have been announcing layoffs, budget cuts and program cancellations in droves. It may be too early to cue Verdi's "Requiem," but by the look of things, the current state of symphony orchestras is serious and it doesn't appear to be getting better any time soon.

In case you haven't been keeping up, Culture Monster has assembled a compendium of orchestras that have announced budgetary reductions in the last few months. They range from East Coast to West Coast, north to south, large to small.

Keep reading to see the list of symphony orchestras that are cutting back...

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: The organization has had two rounds of salary cuts in the last two months, targeting musicians and other staff to make up for a $3-million deficit.

Charleston Symphony Orchestra: The South Carolina group has slashed the salaries of its entire staff by about 11% after the organization failed to make payroll in March.

The Cleveland Orchestra: This world-renowned institution has announced plans to make "broad and deep" budgetary cuts in response to the economic crisis. Music director Franz Welser-Most has already volunteered to a 20% pay cut.

The Minnesota Orchestra: The largest arts organization in the state said it will institute salary reductions, wage freezes and the elimination of four full-time positions. 

The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra: The group has laid off three employees, implemented salary reductions of 10% and suspended pension contributions.

Pasadena Symphony and Pasadena Pops: Culture Monster has reported extensively on the group's financial woes over the last few months.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Last month, the group eliminated 20% of its staff through layoffs and attrition. It has also scaled back its programming.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra: The economic downturn has forced the group to shutter its chamber orchestra series. The organization also announced the loss of 11 administrative positions.

Portland Symphony Orchestra: The Maine organization canceled its summer pops series, laid off two staff members and mandated a pay cut for senior-level employees.

-- David Ng

Photo: Franz Welser-Most leads the Cleveland Orchestra. Credit: Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times

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[Allison Reynolds]

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