Michael Albaugh on Facing the Music: Challenges for Regional Orchestras (Part 1 of 4)

In this series of messages, I'd like to discuss some of the unique challenges Cape Symphony faces. Today, I’ll talk about the challenges specific to small market, regional orchestras. In upcoming weeks, I’ll dive deeper into issues influencing our organization, from labor relations to audience engagement. Your awareness of these issues is vital to the future of live symphonic music on Cape Cod.

As Executive Director of Cape Symphony, I want to address an important topic that affects not only our beloved organization, but also many orchestras across the country—particularly those in smaller, regional areas like ours. We are facing significant challenges, many of which stem from the unique pressure on regional orchestras to maintain financial stability while offering world-class musical experiences.

Regional orchestras like ours are challenged on multiple fronts. First, ticket sales and revenue across the industry continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels. A recent report (TRG Arts, DataArts) found that orchestras in the United States have seen a 67% drop in ticket revenue over the past few years, and while donations have increased, they aren’t enough to offset the loss. The financial strain is particularly intense for smaller organizations like Cape Symphony, which depend more heavily on local ticket sales and modest donations.

Additionally, the donor base for orchestras has shifted. Institutional funders have begun to pull back from supporting large arts organizations, and a new generation of donors is less connected to the world of orchestras than their predecessors. Fundraising is more uncertain, forcing orchestras to rely on fewer, larger gifts. This makes income less steady and less predictable (Wallace Foundation).

Unlike larger urban symphonies that benefit from deep-pocket donors and corporate sponsorships, regional orchestras depend on community support—small business sponsorships, ticket sales, and individual donations from local patrons. This makes us vulnerable to economic fluctuations, inflation, and even changes in cultural tastes Wallace Foundation). Without robust ticket sales and support from the Cape Cod community, it will be difficult to sustain the level of programming and artistic excellence we strive for.

In my next messages, I’ll share some of the key issues we face, our efforts to overcome them, and why your support is more critical than ever. We believe that together, we can sustain the Cape Symphony as a vital cultural institution in our community.