By DANIEL J. WAKIN

Despite the news that the Philadelphia Orchestra has canceled an international tour thanks to the ailing economy, other major American orchestras say they plan to forge ahead, even if some sponsorships are not yet in the bank.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic have confirmed that they will go forward with treks through Asia and Europe.
Philadelphia has said that a lack of corporate support and the weak dollar led it to cancel a trip to Europe next summer. The orchestra was to have performed at the festivals of Lucerne, Switzerland; and Edinburgh; and at the London Proms, prestigious appearances that add luster to any international orchestra.
The tour was also to have been the maiden voyage for Charles Dutoit as the orchestra’s chief conductor and music adviser, roles he assumes in the fall. James Undercofler, the orchestra’s president, said in an interview on July 29 that the high cost of air fares and hotels, made worse by the weak dollar, contributed to the decision. The fees paid by festivals rarely cover costs, so orchestras usually have to pay for trips with donations from companies and individuals, foundation support and government aid. Sponsors in foreign countries also often cover costs.
In this case the corporations that had been donors for past tours did not come through, Mr. Undercofler said. “You go to the people you’ve been counting on, and they say they can’t do it this time, he said. He declined to identify the companies. Major supporters of Philadelphia Orchestra’s most recent tours have included UBS, the Swiss bank, and AstraZeneca, the drug company.
UBS, hit with huge write-downs because of the subprime mortgage crisis, has withdrawn support for the UBS Verbier Orchestra in Switzerland. On July 30 a spokeswoman said the Philadelphia Orchestra had not approached it about the tour next summer. AstraZeneca declined to comment.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been a consistent donor for Philadelphia Orchestra touring. “Pennsylvania continues to be generous with us in all ways, Mr. Undercofler said.
The Philadelphians are moving forward with a three-week European tour this winter led by their departing music director, Christoph Eschenbach. Mr. Undercofler said sponsors were in place, but he declined to name them.
Some travel agents who handle orchestras said that they had yet to hear of cancellations, but that costs were becoming a concern. Increasingly, American orchestras are using fees paid in euros to cover local costs.
“Everyone is aware of the difficult economy now, said Eric Latzky, a spokesman for the New York Philharmonic. “But life still goes on.