New York Philharmonic: Das schwierige Geschäft mit den schönen Tönen

Matias Tarnopolsky, seasoned business executive, is leading the New York Philharmonic as its CEO. He travels worldwide with the orchestra, promoting and selling it to audiences. Despite not being a household name for many classical music fans, Tarnopolsky plays a crucial role in the symphony's success. Unlike in Germany, American orchestras are privately funded.

To attract attention, Tarnopolsky has taken the orchestra to key European venues, including Hamburg, where he stopped at the "Vier Jahreszeiten" hotel lobby. The orchestra's performances in Berlin's Philharmonie, Elbphilharmonie, and Vienna's Musikverein are worth any cost, according to Tarnopolsky, who emphasizes the importance of protecting the orchestra's artistic excellence.

The orchestra's economic foundation relies heavily on the generous contributions of wealthy sponsors, accounting for nearly 63 million dollars in revenue during the 2024/25 season. However, revenue from sales of physical recordings has dwindled due to streaming services, and an essential source of income, the foundation's capital, amounts to around 25 million dollars annually.

Tarnopolsky's primary responsibility is to maintain relationships with sponsors, ensuring their continued support. He achieved this successfully in his previous role at the Philadelphia Orchestra by focusing on a distinct artistic vision and presenting the orchestra to new audiences. Similarly, Dudamel, the newly appointed music director, is expected to secure the orchestra's future.

Tarnopolsky and Dudamel share the hope of continuing the orchestra's tradition of artistic excellence while navigating the challenges of a privately-funded organization.