Quotable

"We used to have around 40 shows a year, but last year we only had about 10 and our revenue plummeted."

Zhang Hao, head of the Jilin Symphony Orchestra Troupe, said fewer performances for governments and State-owned enterprises, which have traditionally been major clients of arts troupes, have cut revenue dramatically. The government has strengthened campaigns to reduce waste and promote frugality since late 2012.