Crisis in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Orchestra is in a "dire financial crisis," Peter Dobrin reports in The Philadelphia Inquirer. Sagging ticket sales and fund-raising that doesn't measure up to that of other orchestras Philly's size leave the orchestra facing a $7.5 million deficit this season. The board hopes to raise a quick $15 million from its members:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/entertainment/20090919_Phila__Orchestra_needs__15_million.html

UPDATE 1: Dobrin reports that Allison Vulgamore, outgoing president of the Atlanta Symphony, is in negotiations to fill the vacant CEO's post at the Philadelphia Orchestra:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20090922_Phila__Orchestra_settles_on_CEO_candidate.html

UPDATE 2: Dobrin summarizes Philly's woes as he reports on its annual meeting, the real business of which took place behind closed doors:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/20090924_A_brief__bleak_state_of_the_orchestra.html