What cooperation can achieve

#400

Friend of Democracy,

I recently attended a classical concert.

As expected, it was quite a bargain. Few tickets offer as much value for the price of a ticket as those for concerts featuring a large orchestra.

Consider this: With personnel costs of 5,000 euros per musician per month and an orchestra of 80 people, the total comes to 400,000 euros each month. If the orchestra plays 12 times a month, each concert costs over €30,000.

And that’s just the personnel costs of the musicians.

In fact, concerts require personnel not only on stage, but also behind the scenes.

That’s why large orchestras today almost always exist in a state context. Private funding just doesn’t add up.

This situation was different in the past, back when income disparities were much greater. At that time, concert musicians were as poor as church mice—at least compared to concertgoers.

When some earn much more than others, it’s easier for them to hire people. However, when most people earn similar amounts, expensive, labour-intensive work often falls away—unless, of course, the state steps in and makes it accessible to everyone through taxation.

So, does this have my approval? Letting others pay for my pleasure?

Tough question.

There are at least two pros:

First, orchestras provide access to high-quality music, educational programs, and community outreach, which might otherwise be inaccessible to many citizens.

Additionally, orchestras are a so-called public good (a public good is something that benefits not only those who pay for it); they often act as cultural anchors in their cities, attracting tourism, supporting local businesses, and enhancing community identity.

In any case, I very much enjoyed Mahler’s 4th Symphony. Concerts like this show what people can achieve together. As a community. As concert musicians in this case. It is extraordinary.

See you in Democracy,

Johannes Eber