At a press conference this week, officials said that the Symphoniker would attempt to reinvent itself as young, hip, and profit-minded. The group is seeking a corporate sponsor, and has hinted in the press at possible crossover projects with such pop stars as Metallica or Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees.

"This is a huge chance for us to set an example [for other cultural institutions]," said orchestra director Andreas Mortiz. "We are convinced we can survive as a private orchestra."