The main reason why orchestras don't program more contemporary music is
that contemporary audiences won't come.  After all it is the audiences
who pay the cost of operating an orchestra and a concert hall.  Its not
a matter of "play it and they will come".

The participants in this discussion seem to be mainly concerned that
contemporary or 20th century music isn't on orchestra programs.  There
is other music that's not on programs:  early music.  Look at the season
programs for your local orchestra and see how many times there is music
from before Mozart and Haydn.  How often to you see music by Vivaldi,
Albinoni, the Bach sons, Purcell, Monteverdi, not to mention Josquin des
Pres?

The early music scene in Boston may have some lessons for the people who
want to hear contemporary music.  There are several organizations that
specialize in early music:  The Handel & Haydn Society, The Boston Early
Music Festival (actually it sort of runs all year) and the Cambridge
Society for Early Music.  The programs of the latter two are in churches
and similar small venues and I don't think they ever have as many as 100
people in the audience.  People who want to hear contemporary music could
attend programs by similar specialized groups; if there are none in your
area, look into getting some established.

Ron Ratney