Demand for Live Orchestral Music – The Case of German Kulturorchester

Abstract

SummaryThis paper estimates a demand function for orchestras in Germany and in the process provides estimates of the impact of various determinants of demand for live orchestral music. Price and income are shown to be highly significant as are the quality factors included. The price elasticity is around -0.3 indicating price-inelastic demand and the income elasticity roughly 1.0 which is shown to be the net effect of two opposing forces, a gross income effect and a price-of-leisure effect. Additionally, two objective output characteristics which can positively influence concert attendance are examined. This analysis was undertaken by applying an exceptionally large panel data set for 79 orchestras over the period from 1972 to 2004 (1,313 observations). No previous study of orchestra demand was based on such a rich data set, nor used such a range of extensive variables. Some policy implications are considered in the concluding section.