These are interesting times for classical music, a field buffeted by changing demographics, tough financial challenges, and pressing questions about relevance.
It’s also an interesting time for philanthropy in this niche, with some funders keenly attuned to how classical music needs to evolve and broaden its mission.
We’ve come across a number of funders who are on the case, including both individual donors and major foundations. A while back, I wrote about David Bohnett, a top donor to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, who has been boosting the L.A. Phil’s efforts at music education and community engagement in one of America’s most diverse cities.