Classical music

(Let's see if Boiler and Stalker can resist polluting this thread with their presence. I doubt it.)

I listen to a lot of classical music, especially now---and I used to go to the occasional live performance. But that ain't happening now. I was wondering how classical orchestras are staying alive and functional--I mean, they can't even practice together, right? You couldn't have a functional horn or woodwind section. And of course, choral music is pretty much out of the question.

I saw the 2020 BBC Proms on YouTube, and they managed to space out the performers and put together a semblance of an orchestra and chorus--but it just didn't have the same power. Not enough people. And that aside--how are orchestras getting revenue? I would imagine recordings sales significantly impact the bottom line of only maybe the top half dozen orchestras. Orchestras in cities like Sacramento, Des Moines, Austin, etc. really have no way to stay together and operational.

Is this yet another thing we're losing? I, and I'm sure millions of other folks, intend to go to many concerts when things open up again. But will that be too late, when the first violinist has had to become an Uber driver just to feed his family and the conductor has retired?

The pandemic has hit our local orchestras, playhouses, etc. as well.  I'll assume musicians make money where they can anyway, i.e. private performances, solo/trio/quartet at weddings, church services, giving private lessons, but what about now?  As Kevin mentioned, perhaps any job they can get that pays something. 

PBS re-ran the 2019 Tabernacle Choir (formerly Mormon Tab Choir) performance this year.  Were they compensated?  I have no idea.   Jr. High and HS choir and band, I guess they are losing out a lot too.  What about those guys, the choir and band teachers?  The arts have been given short shrift in recent years anyway, which is sad.

Candy

I'm pretty sure that professional musicians and ensembles whose performances air on PBS get royalties. The organization that handles that is called BMI, I think. But I doubt that those royalties are more than nominal, since PBS is not for-profit.

In other words, you don't know.

I knew that Stalker wouldn't be able to resist the urge to befoul this thread with his presence. Next up is Boiler.

As usual, when caught in another lie, Kevin attacks the one who calls him out. Nothing new here...

I went to that BMI site.  Very impressive as to the amount of information, complexity regarding "royalties" and everything else having to do with broadcasting music and other programs.  One sub section is "How We Pay Royalties."  No way would I have time or brainpower to read through it all and understand one of our basic questions, which is how are performers paid. 

Imagine something like the Tabernacle Choir performance:  All those performers--singers, orchestra/instrumental, guest/celebrity performers, the songs, decor, costumes, ushers, roadies, everybody who had a part in it.  It can boggle the mind.

Who pays?  I'll assume, but don't know, that for one thing the attendees pay for their seat, like for any concert.  PBS has wealthy donors (they are credited) as well as the small fish who 'join' locally.  For starters.  

Anyway, thank you Kevin for the BMI name.  Lots of really interesting info on their site.  

Candy

And exactly how did I lie, scumbag?

And just so you know, scumbag, getting something wrong--which I didn't do--isn't the same as lying. Look it up, scumbag. Who was I supposedly lying to, and for what purpose?

You're nothing but garbage and have no business here or in the world.

Going back to the present issue, which is how are orchestras making enough to survive---it seems that many aren't surviving. And like you said, theater companies have no source of revenue now, either. many thought that "virtual" performances might fly and would garner ticket revenue---but the trouble is, orchestras and theater companies can't even rehearse, let alone perform, safely!

When we get rid of Trump and the Trump virus, maybe the next stimulus package can contain some support for the arts? IMHO those things aren't frivolous or luxuries. We need them just as much as we need the more prosaic things in life. Keeping them alive and functional would be money well spent.

My wife has friends and connections in the music business in Nashville.  The music business is hurting.  No tours, no venues is having a huge negative impact.  The ripple effect is felt by huge numbers of people.

My wife's uncle is an accomplished songwriter,  I know he recieves royalties from ASCAP.

The pandemic has hit some music people hard.  Chad Smith, drummer for 
 "Red Hot Chili Peppers" has had to sell his home in the Hamptons for 20 million and downsize to s smaller 8.5 million home in Malibu.