America's Orchestras And Opera Companies Are A National Treasure
There's so much talk today about what's wrong with America ; the vulgar , lowest common denominator culture , the rampant ignorance of so many Americans (ever see the hilarious but embarassing exposes of ignorant Americans with Jay Leno ?) , the poor education received by so many youngsers in our public schools etc .
But the fact that this nation also has so many world -class symphony orchestras and opera companies and has produced so many great classical musicians is something that we Americans can and should be proud of . It shows that this nation is not entirely a country of crass materialism and apathy .
This is why the news that the world-famous Philadelphia Orchestra , a historic ensemble which has toured the world to great acclaim and made so many great recordings is not only facing serious financial problems but may actually declare bankruptcy soon is so disturbing . It's only one of many great classical music institutions in America which are threatened by the difficult economic times .
If so , it will be the first of America's so-called big fig orchestras (New York , Boston, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Chicago ) to do this . Not an encouraging sign . Other fine orchestras such as those of Columbus Ohio, Cincinnati, Honolulu, Phoenix, and elsewhere have succumbed to financial woes , and others are at risk .
In addition , the Baltimore Opera, Opera Pacific in California, the Connecticut and Orlando operas have gone under , and others are feeling the crunch . What a shame ! With all the cultural crassness surrounding us , these great institutions have to go begging . And the livlihoods of so many gifted , hard-working and dedicated musicians are at risk . All of these musical organizations are a national treasure . We have many other national treasures,too. If they were at risk of being lost , there would be great distress nationwide . But where is the national outcry over the sorry state of classical music in America , except among its devotees ?