Power And Corruption In The String World

Ever since the Axelrod/NJSO instrument collection scandal broke into the news headlines, people have become fascinated with how the world of high end string instruments operates.  Today’s Soundcheck radio program on WNYC will focus on that very issue.

Adaptistration People 132I’ve written about the Axelrod instruments here and at my Neo Classical column and as such I’ll be one of the on-air guests along with string instrument dealer Fritz Reuter to discuss some of the prominent issues and respond to callers.

When & Where

  • Monday, March 28th, from 2:00PM – 3:00PM ET.
  • WNYC’s Soundcheck hosted by John Schaefer

How can I listen?

  • If you’re in the New York City area, turn your radio dial to FM93.9 or AM820.
  • If you don’t live in the NYC area, you can still listen to the live program online at WNYC’s website or on XM Radio.

You can also listen via the embedded player below:

Can I participate?

  • Absolutely.  The program will be accepting callers at 212-264-7483, however, it’s important that people know only to call in during the show (2:00PM-3:00PM ET) – that number will be used by WNYC’s other shows earlier in the day.  Don’t forget to make the proper time adjustments if you don’t live in Eastern Time.

I hope anyone with an opinion will take the time to call in, there’s bound to be ample points of view and questions regarding this issue among musicians and patrons alike.  It promises be a lively show!

About Drew McManus

"I hear that every time you show up to work with an orchestra, people get fired." Those were the first words out of an executive's mouth after her board chair introduced us. That executive is now a dear colleague and friend but the day that consulting contract began with her orchestra, she was convinced I was a hatchet-man brought in by the board to clean house.

I understand where the trepidation comes from as a great deal of my consulting and technology provider work for arts organizations involves due diligence, separating fact from fiction, interpreting spin, as well as performance review and oversight. So yes, sometimes that work results in one or two individuals "aggressively embracing career change" but far more often than not, it reinforces and clarifies exactly what works and why.

In short, it doesn't matter if you know where all the bodies are buried if you can't keep your own clients out of the ground, and I'm fortunate enough to say that for more than 15 years, I've done exactly that for groups of all budget size from Qatar to Kathmandu.

For fun, I write a daily blog about the orchestra business, provide a platform for arts insiders to speak their mind, keep track of what people in this business get paid, help write a satirical cartoon about orchestra life, hack the arts, and love a good coffee drink.

Related Posts