Professional choruses, maintained by public broadcasters and opera houses, have felt economic pressure in recent years as cultural budgets are frequently cut. The article discusses the artistic problems faced by professional choruses due to widespread redundancies, and their coping strategies, such as the creation of complementary amateur choruses and the development of stronger artistic profiles. Yet while semi-professional singers are often employed as a more cost-effective alternative, it is argued that only professionals can guarantee continuity, artistic quality and a broad repertoire. Especially for the development of contemporary choral music with its high artistic requirements, professional choruses are of paramount importance.