Karl Miller:

>Most of my questions have really been about, "what is the purpose of the
>symphony orchestra."

A direct answer then: To provide live performances, broadcasts, and
recordings of music written for orchestral ensembles.  To perform music
that is old and new, familiar and obscure.  To keep the flame alive--for
those who consider the kind of music they play of intense interest and
value--some of it among the most admirable and satisfying artistic
expressions of humankind.

Jim Tobin