I recently attended a classical concert in Berlin. As expected, it was quite a bargain. Few tickets offer as much value for the price of a ticket as those for concerts featuring a large orchestra.
Consider this: with personnel costs of 5,000 euros per musician per month and an orchestra of 80 people, the total comes to 400,000 euros each month. If the orchestra plays 12 times a month, each concert costs over €30,000 just for the performers.
That’s just personnel costs.
In fact, concerts require personnel not only on stage, but also behind the scenes.
That’s why large orchestras today almost always exist in a state context. Private funding just doesn’t add up.
This situation was different in the past, back when income disparities were much greater. At that time, concert musicians were as poor as church mice—at least compared to concertgoers.
When some earn much more than others, it’s easier for them to hire people. However, when most people earn similar amounts, expensive, labor-intensive work often falls away—unless, of course, the state steps in and makes it accessible to everyone through taxation.
So, does this arrangement have my approval?
Tough question.
There are at least two pros:
First, orchestras provide access to high-quality music, educational programs, and community outreach, which might otherwise be inaccessible to many citizens.
Additionally, orchestras are a so-called public good (a public good is something that benefits not only those who pay for it); they often act as cultural anchors in their cities, attracting tourism, supporting local businesses, and enhancing community identity.
In any case, it lets me enjoy Mahler’s 4th Symphony, as I did this weekend—alongside many others.
Beyond the music, concerts like this show what people can achieve together. It is what creates and values community. And it is something extraordinary.
Pixelökonom 