Norman Lebrecht on artist fees

As the global recession starts to his the music sector, both soloists’ fees and orchestral budgets are under threat, says the controversial writer

Turning his attention to fees in his second column for The Strad, Norman Lebrecht highlights struggling orchestras, soloists’ fees that have been slashed, and the need for individual enterprise among musicians.

‘A few stars have taken to subsidising their chamber-music partners, but the system cannot survive on random acts of charity and there is a growing awareness that something will have to give if the present level of music making is to persist over the coming years of international payback for the banking collapse.’

‘The downturn has hit music two years late and this is still the start of the slope. Should we be afraid? Should we be very afraid?’

To have your say on the issues raised in this column, post your comment here

COMMENTS (1) Add Your Comment | Show all Comments

Before it gets better the world economy still has to go worse. Some sectors felt the impact immediately, but eventually everyone will be affected.
With money scarcity the only way for many musicians will be to accept lower fees or face unemployment altogether, and many programs will be cancelled.
I would be very scared and very aware the is the time to look for alternative ways to make the music available to willing consumers.
Carlos Vadillo ( 20 May 2010)

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Norman Lebrecht on artist fees

As the global recession starts to his the music sector, both soloists’ fees and orchestral budgets are under threat, says the controversial writer

Add your comments