The essence of a for-profit company is that it makes money for its shareholders, but the essence of a not-for-profit orchestra is that it makes wonderful music for its audience. The goal is not to balance a budget by giving great concerts; the goal is to use a well-planned budget to produce truly great concerts. The music is the mission, not the money.
— Real talk from Aspen Music Festival president and CEO Alan Fletcher on the ongoing battles between classical musicians and management (via nprmusic)