Involvement with a Louisiana philharmonic orchestra can be a great opportunity for the small business owner. It can establish a balance between work and recreation for your employees, create a good reputation for your company and strengthen ties with your community. Attending a performance by a symphony orchestra supports not only professional musicians but young, aspiring musicians, as well.

You can use tickets to a Louisiana symphony orchestra to entertain clients, provide rewards for employees and show your appreciation to customers. Tickets to individual performances are readily available in many cases and most orchestras also offer season tickets. Orchestras frequently offer discounts for families, students and seniors as well.

Louisiana symphony orchestras generally fall into the following categories:

1. Louisiana symphony orchestras that have professional musicians and may feature internationally known performers as guests. A full symphony or philharmonic orchestra usually consists of at least 80 players and may have more than 100.

2. Smaller community orchestras that offer free public concerts and may be available for private events. A chamber orchestra has less than 40 players.

3. Youth orchestras that feature younger players. These orchestras typically require players to be within a specified age range and stage annual auditions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find professional Louisiana symphony orchestras near you

Symphony orchestras perform a variety of classical, experimental and modern compositions in Louisiana. Opera also is popular and typically has scheduled performances throughout the season.

I recommend: Join the Classical Music Lover's Exchange to support symphonies not only in Louisiana, but those around the country. Musicalchairs.info has many music-related resources, including a list of orchestras and opera houses by city.

Support a Louisiana youth orchestra

Young musicians can obtain stage experience and training in a youth symphony. Louisiana youth symphonies are well-respected and perform many of the same pieces as professional orchestras.

I recommend: Playmusic.org has many music-related links, including an alphabetical list of youth symphonies by state.Your business can support a youth symphony orchestra such as the Ark-La-Tex Youth Symphony Orchestra in Shreveport.

Buy tickets to Louisiana symphonies in your city

Most large cities in Louisiana have at least one professional orchestra and several chamber orchestras. They play many different types of music, in addition to classical compositions.

I recommend: The Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra performs its Masterworks series of concerts at the River Center Theatre in Baton Rouge. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs in several venues in New Orleans.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Listen to performances over the radio. Many major Louisiana symphony orchestras broadcast live and recorded performances that allow you to enjoy world-class music from your home. The websites for the orchestra and radio stations will list the scheduled air times and performances.
• •  Become a corporate sponsor for a Louisiana orchestra because many frequently depend on donations. This can be a cost-effective means of promoting your company. You can also encourage your employees to volunteer to teach music classes and perform in free concerts. Many back-stage opportunities exist for volunteers, as well.