" Symphonic orchestras have almost become a glut in the market. "
- Skitch Henderson

In today's competitive world of classical music, the statement suggests that symphonic orchestras are becoming overly abundant or saturated within the market. This implies a situation where there might be more orchestras than there are audiences or venues capable of supporting them financially and culturally.

Digging deeper into this quote reveals underlying issues such as oversaturation affecting not just the number of orchestras but also their sustainability in terms of audience engagement, funding, and relevance to modern society. The phrase hints at a broader challenge faced by traditional art forms: how to remain vital and attract new audiences while competing with contemporary entertainment options that cater to diverse tastes and lifestyles. This overabundance can lead to a dilution of resources, making it harder for individual orchestras to stand out or find their niche.

Skitch Henderson, the man behind this quote, was an American pianist and conductor best known as the leader of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" orchestra from 1962 until 1992. A versatile musician who started his career with the Royal Air Force Central Band before moving to the United States, Henderson contributed significantly to popularizing classical music through television and was also a prolific composer and arranger in both jazz and symphonic realms.