A journey through orchestra management, a search for the difficult balance between artistic excellence and business sustainability.

4.9 stars out of 5 on Amazon

Building on a rigorous analysis of orchestra management across its various components, this unique guide also provides actionable resources —such as checklists, templates, and frameworks— for current and future orchestra leaders and managers. It empowers readers in both education and practice to navigate orchestra management confidently and effectively.

Table of Content

1. Introduction
2. A Concise History of Orchestra Management
3. A Typical Orchestra Organisation and Functions
4. The Business Models of Classical Orchestras
5. The Fundamentals of Orchestra Management
6. Contemporary Issues in Orchestra Management
7. Tech Innovation in Modern Orchestra Management
8. The Ideal Profile of the CEO
9. Conclusion
10. Key Resources

Weekly Newsletter

Orchestra Management. A weekly newsletter on classical orchestras and professional business management: history, insights, technology, challenges and strategies made practical. A great learning resource.

Critics’ Reviews

"I have no doubt that this companion is an unprecedented contribution to comprehending the 'business' of orchestra management, an essential foundation for supporting these remarkable institutions in navigating the present and preparing for the future."
Christopher Brenner, General Director, University of Music & Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana, Switzerland

"Dr. Salvaggio has undertaken a monumental task - rigorously analysing and comparing business and management models of classical orchestras across diverse global settings. His findings provide powerful insights into optimising these arts organisations amidst different cultural environments. Salvaggio makes an invaluable contribution, illuminating effective management strategies and best practices in finance, operations, marketing, artistic directions and more. Importantly, he also explores how arts and culture organisations can leverage the latest disruptive technologies to drive efficiency, expand reach and catalyse innovation. His book is essential reading for students and managers applying the latest thinking in applied economics and management to run a world-class musical institution."
Dr Marco Delogu, Professor, Applied Economics, DISEA - State University of Sassari, Italy.

"As First Concertmaster of the Tonhalle Zürich Orchestra, I am actively engaged in both strategic and day-to-day artistic decisions for the ensemble. In this role, I find that Dr Salvaggio's book is proving to be an invaluable resource. Had this book been available a decade ago, it would have significantly increased my capacity to make well-informed decisions, not just artistically but also at the management level within the orchestral field."
Klaidi Sahatchi, First Concertmaster, Tonhalle Zürich Orchestra, Switzerland

"Over my 30-year career devoted to playing, conducting and cultivating youth orchestras and choirs in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East, I could see firsthand the inner workings of orchestra management from the stage across diverse cultural landscapes. Dr. Salvaggio's insightful book peels back the curtain to reveal the complexities involved in running a successful orchestra in today's competitive cultural landscape. His research and framework provide an invaluable guide for current and aspiring orchestra managers and artistic directors striving for excellence across a variety of cultures and business backgrounds. Actually, to my knowledge, this is the first book that pays such a deep attention to the classical orchestra industry globally. An absolute must-read!”
Giovanni Pasini, Principal Viola & Resident Freelance Conductor, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra - Qatar Youth Orchestra - Qatar Concert Choir; Guest Principal of BBC Philharmonic and BBC Wales Orchestras, Australian Chamber Orchestra, La Monnaie (Bruxelles), Opéra de Lyon, RAI Italian Radio Orchestra, Toscanini Philharmonic Parma, Les Violons du Roi (Quebec), among others.

About me

Salvino A. Salvaggio, PhD, offers 30+ years of management experience in innovation-intensive industries. Throughout his career, he has held key leadership roles driving economic value through innovation. He currently is the COO of a deep tech & AI company.

  • Previously, Salvino served as Chief of Staff (Executive Director) for the VP Research, Development & Innovation at Qatar Foundation, overseeing several national research centres and the implementation of strategic initiatives.

  • He played a pivotal role in establishing the Qatar Science & Technology Park, the Qatar Robotic Surgery Center, the Qatar Precision Medicine Institute, amongst others, demonstrating his commitment to fostering national innovation ecosystems.

  • Salvino's entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his past endeavours: creating funding programs, acting as an expert consultant for McKinsey & Co. on tech-intensive projects, and launching his own tech startups. He has also published a wealth of scientific and professional works.

In recognition of his achievements, Salvino was appointed Commander by the President of the Italian Republic in 2007.

Contact me