CA Ecosystem
To everyone who attended our recent Summer Camp concert, thank you so much for coming. I created this project with the hope that young musicians could experience the kind of achievement that comes only after relentless effort—something that stays with them for a lifetime. I’m incredibly grateful to all the members who took on the challenge of such a demanding program, and to our audience, who always support us with warmth and encouragement.
Today, I’d like to talk about Cygnus Arioso’s financial approach—our ecosystem.
For any performing arts organization, securing financial resources is a never-ending challenge. Sharing music that moves our hearts with the world seems like such a simple goal, yet in reality, artistic endeavors require funding. Especially when working with large ensembles, ticket sales alone are rarely enough to sustain the costs.
Our Summer Camp is no exception. Unlike the interns who participate as part of their training, all other members receive an honorarium, even if it’s a modest one. From a financial standpoint, Summer Camp is by far Cygnus Arioso’s largest project.
At this point, some might wonder: Why do we pay musicians for a training-based project like Summer Camp?
The answer lies in the nature of our program. Each year, I deliberately choose a highly challenging repertoire—pieces that cannot be mastered without significant rehearsal time. If participation were purely voluntary, the experience would lose its value. In an ensemble of over 20 musicians, it’s nearly impossible for everyone to align at the same intensity if some are absent from rehearsals.
For young musicians transitioning into the professional world, I believe it’s essential to develop the discipline of giving their absolute best in every situation. The habit of preparing meticulously and bringing one's highest level of artistry to every performance is what builds true professionalism. That’s why I see Summer Camp not just as a performance opportunity, but as a form of professional training in itself. And if I expect that level of commitment, I must also provide proper compensation—it’s only fair.
To make this possible, I spend the entire year recuperating the costs of running the camp.
Importantly, I cannot express enough gratitude to the generous supporters who donate to Cygnus Arioso.
At the same time, I want to highlight another key element of our financial system: my own solo/ small ensemble concerts. The revenue from these personally organized performances plays a major role in funding Summer Camp. By dedicating time to my own artistic activities, I can generate financial resources to sustain our larger projects. This allows me to invest my time meaningfully—both as a performer and as a leader of Cygnus Arioso.
This is what I call the CA Ecosystem.
What's your view on this? I'd love to hear your thoughts. And with that in mind, please come to my upcoming recital this Sunday the 16th of February - a program for Violin and Piano of deep emotion and poetic beauty, where each piece tells a story of love, longing, and introspection—perfect for February, a month dedicated to love.
Akiko Miyazawa