Should Musicians Govern the Orchestra?

Abstract

The conductor is oftentimes the center of the symphony orchestra. Yet what makes up an orchestra is its musicians, often 60 or more, who deliver classical pieces of music to an audience. Most European and American orchestras are not governed by its musicians. Musicians are generally only hired to produce musical content: to play music in rehearsals, concerts, and recordings. The administrative staff and board of directors oversee all of the other aspects of the organization including governance and operational management. However, orchestras involving musicians in administration, governance, and decision-making do exist. Nowadays, orchestras are struggling to stay both financially and artistically intact during a world-wide pandemic that is further ailing the declining classical music industry. In the 1990s, orchestras faced significant economic challenges resulting in bankruptcy or closure and labor issues such as strikes and lockouts. Industry leaders started wondering about how involving musicians in the governance and management of the orchestra might help create the culture and structure to better adapt to a slew of environmental shifts. Musician-governed orchestras might not be the only solution to ensure financial stability and sustainability, but studying their history, successes, and challenges can lead to useful insights into why and how to increase involvement of artists to benefit an industry that depends on innovative solutions.