State symphony orchestras are hogging arts funding, receiving more than $350 million from the federal government since 2008, while other forms of music are starved of funds.

Seven of the top 10 recipients of Australia Council for the Arts grants in the past six years have been symphony orchestras, with the Sydney Symphony receiving $71 million from the public purse.

Expensive excellence: Vladimir Ashkenazy conducts a 2013 concert by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Credit:Michele Mossop

Only Opera Australia, with more than $130 million, has received more from the national arts funding body.

In third place is the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, which has pocketed $68 million from the Australia Council since 2008. Orchestra Victoria, which is part of the Australian Ballet, scored $34 million.