This study is a preliminary comparative analysis of cultural policy towards the European classical music sector, with an in-depth economic perspective rooted in empirical research.The research describes funding and financial trends, governance mechanisms and organisational structures of more than 150 publicly subsidised classical music institutions, operating in six European countries (Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Sweden and the UK) over the last ten years.

The research is based on an analysis of facts and figures, but also on numerous interviews with professionals from the field of live classical music, as well as cultural policy-makers, public funding bodies, trade unions and academics.