Crosscut
The Seattle Symphony is taking steps to ensure its survival in this city. With the induction of the new conductor, Ludovic Morlot, and plans for a new concert hall, the Symphony is boldly making its mark on the city of Seattle. Of course art and music lovers are appreciative of the organization’s efforts to enhance the culture of the city, but the permanence of the Seattle Symphony is important for economic reasons as well. Writes David Brewster, “Corporations use symphonies not only to recruit executives (and their spouses and families) but as showcases for marketing to upscale and influential audiences. Serving on prestigious arts boards is a way for rising executives to test their public skills and to network. Orchestras well understand how to turn evenings at the symphony into carefully calibrated experiences, depending on donation levels, in social hierarchies at intermission time or in the conductor’s suite afterward.” To read the full article, follow the link.