(Zachary Lewis, The Plain Dealer) The European economy may be in “bear” mode, but the Cleveland Orchestra’s prospects overseas look like a charging bull.

Between an increasingly active panel of supporters in Europe and the growing likelihood of a residency at a new venue under construction in Paris, the orchestra appears to be staking ever larger portions of its future on touring and moving toward becoming a global institution.

Yet the strategy, while creative and highly promising, is not without risk. More time on the road bolsters the orchestra against downward trends at home but also makes the organization vulnerable to political and economic developments in Europe. Suddenly, Greek debt isn’t such a remote concern.