Date of Award

5-1979

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Music: General

Abstract

In this paper, I have attempted to explain the administrative and financial operations of the Richmond Symphony. The first two chapters are meant to serve as an introduction to the Richmond Symphony, and they help explain the circumstances leading the development of the present Symphony. Also, much emphasis has been placed on the expansion of the Symphony since 1957.

Since the purpose of this paper is to examine the financial status of the Richmond Symphony, I found it beneficial to compare the Richmond Symphony to other American orchestras with similar budgets. From this research, it is evident that the Richmond Symphony is not only competitive financially, but also competitive in its cultural contributions to the Richmond area.

An earlier paper about the Richmond Symphony was written in 1963 by Walter Franklin Masters, Jr. Although this paper is more historical in nature, I have referred to it frequently for information regarding the Symphony's early development.

This paper does not explore all facets of the Symphony; I feel a more thorough study of the musical aspects of the Symphony (such as selection of guest artists, a study of the Symphony's repertoire) could have been made. However, due to time limitations and the amount of research involved, I found it necessary to limit my topic to the financial operations of the Symphony.

My primary sources have been the scrapbooks of the Women's Committee, "The History of the Richmond Symphony, Incorporated," by W.F. Masters, Jr. and interviews with musical and administrative members of the Richmond Symphony. I wish to express my appreciation to Ms. Joan Briccitti, Ms. Williamson and Dr. Homer Rudolf for their cooperation in the preparation of this thesis.

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