Even after the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and its musicians sign a new contract, the symphony will face major long-term challenges, starting with erasing a projected $20 million debt.
National experts who follow the fortunes of orchestras echo what many ASO patrons and musicians fear — that significant changes may be necessary. The question is: Can the ASO regain its financial footing without cuts that will diminish the quality of the music?
“That’s the big question: are they going to reduce the number of musicians and the quality of the orchestra?” said Bill Lightfoot, a former musician and manager for several orchestras nationally, who lives in DeKalb County. “Or does the leadership go to the community and get more money?”
ASO President Stanley Romanstein told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution this week that the quality of the music is the “prime criterion” of his 5-year recovery plan.
In today's newspaper, the AJC looks at future of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. It's a story you'll only get by picking up a copy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution or logging on to the paper's iPad app.
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