Soundcheck

Orchestrating Better Business Practices at Symphonies

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Most American orchestras spend more money than they take in, and those who dig into their endowments are risking their future viability, according to a new study by the Stanford Business School. We talk to the study's author about his conclusions, and about the debate it has been generating in the blogosphere. Also: live music from The Whigs, an Athens, Georgia band who recently released their sophomore effort, "Mission Control."

Listen to the whole show

Balancing the Orchestral Check Book

A new study by the Stanford Business School reports that most major symphony orchestras in the U.S. regularly spend more money than they take in, and some dip so far into endowments that they risk their long-term survival. Guests include the author of the study, Robert J. Flanagan, the Konosuke Matsushita Professor of International Labor Economics and Policy Analysis at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Also joining us is Deborah Borda, the president and chief executive of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Weigh in: Would you pay higher ticket prices to ensure the future of your local symphony orchestra?

Stanford report: "American Symphonies Often Spend More Than They Earn"
Robert J. Flanagan's Profile
Los Angeles Philharmonic Web site

The Whigs

Of the hundreds of bands searching for a licensing deal at this year’s South by Southwest music festival, The Whigs were perhaps the best suited for inclusion on the Madden ’09 videogame soundtrack or a 30-second appearance on Gossip Girl. The Athens, Ga., power trio join us to play songs from Mission Control, their first album for groove-rocker Dave Mattthews’ ATO label.

The Whigs open for the Drive By Truckers on Mar. 26 at Terminal 5 at 8pm.

The Whigs' Website
Video: "Right Hand On My Heart" by The Whigs

iPod Roulette: The Whigs

Today we launch a new occasional Soundcheck feature: iPod Roulette. An on-air guest surrenders his or her iPod and we set it to shuffle. Then, the guest responds to the first three tracks we hear. Today: a look inside the iPod owned by Parker Gispert of the Whigs.