Re-inventing and Re-shaping the Symphony Orchestra for Sustainability

Abstract

The performing arts industry has always been an ever-evolving industry due to the creative nature of this industry. Although the symphony orchestra has not seen much physical dramatic changes since perhaps the late 1800’s, current events worldwide such as the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic uncertainty as well as technological advancements has seen the operations of many symphony orchestras hitting the pause button, many unsure if the orchestra might resume their operations. Symphony orchestras worldwide are forced to come out with various ideas to re-invent and re-shape itself. This paper aims to examine the possibilities of how a symphony orchestra, an institution that is heavily dependent on audiences filling up their concerts is re-inventing itself in order to sustain their very existence. Ongoing efforts such as digitalising ‘live’ concerts through digital platforms and other arising issues such as choice of technological equipment, cost and revenue as well as the perception of orchestral musicians and audiences of such re-invention and re-shaping of the symphony orchestra will be discussed. The findings from this paper may be used to further develop the ideas of re-invention and re-shaping symphony orchestras based on the demands and needs of each individual orchestra.