Who Pays for “Messiah”?

In this bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner interviews Gary Parr, a senior managing director at Apollo and a philanthropist, about his involvement with the New York Philharmonic and the arts. Parr discusses his early exposure to classical music, the financial challenges faced by orchestras, and the importance of philanthropy in supporting the arts. He also shares insights into the New York Philharmonic's operations, including the endowment of Handel's Messiah, the renovation of David Geffen Hall, and the development of international partnerships, particularly in Shanghai. Parr reflects on the differences in philanthropic culture between the U.S. and Europe and his personal connection to the Messiah, emphasizing its universality and the bridge it creates between different faiths and cultures.