An Exploration of the Orchestra in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to research and explore some of the challenges that the orchestra has faced since the turn of the century. The orchestra is one of the most recognized musical organizations in western culture. Even still, recent statistics show that orchestra audiences are dwindling. There are many ways in which orchestras have attempted to curb these patterns, including new concert models, new organizational structures, and new educational programs. All of these methods and more have been met with varying degrees of success.