A Proclamation America's 1572 symphony and chamber orchestras are among this Nation's finest cultural and artistic resources. Each year, our orchestras provide inspiration and enjoyment to more than 23 million people throughout the country. This country's orchestras are internationally recognized as being among the finest in the world. They set the standards of excellence against which other musical endeavors are measured.
Orchestras contribute more to their community than fine concert music.
Today, orchestras serve their communities in many ways. They reach audiences beyond the concert hall through regional and national tours, free outdoor concerts and benefit performances. In addition, orchestras offer educational programs which introduce school age children to the lasting beauty of music. Orchestras also cooperate in joint artistic ventures, thereby helping to support a multitude of additional arts activity in their communities. The success of America's orchestras has been the result of the combined effort of skilled professionals and dedicated volunteers.