Why Albuquerque Is Just As Important As Chicago

In a brief entry yesterday, I objected to how some journalists focus on all but the smallest percentage of large budget orchestras when referring to the orchestra industry as a whole.  It’s simply not representative of this business nor is it appropriate as the vast majority of people across the country are exposed to live orchestral classical music via an ensemble that is not based in New York, Boston, Chicago, Philly, Cleveland, L.A., or San Francisco.

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In Pittsburgh The Devil Will Be In The Details

As if things weren’t interesting enough already in Pittsburgh, they’ve just become more intriguing.  Now that four of the “Big 5” orchestras have settled their contracts negotiations (more or less) the Pittsburgh Symphony is able to start working with some figures to set their pay future pay scale. If you’re not up to speed on the unique contract langue from the concessionary contract the Pittsburgh musicians recently accepted, their salaries are …

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Some Perspective

An article in today’s New York Times by Daniel J. Wakin focuses on all of the recent contract negotiation settlements among the four of the “Big 5” orchestras.  It’s an o.k piece but there’s a basic premise this piece presents (either by Daniel’s design or his editors) that really bothers me; it makes it appear as though these are the only orchestras in the relevant musical universe. The article begins with: …

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Open For Debate

I published an article today at The Partial Observer which examines how orchestras can use open rehearsals as an outreach and educational tool to build a stronger, more involved, patron base. Last week, I read an article in the Boston Globe about how the BSO open rehearsals should be a little more inclusive.  But the concept of open rehearsals should go far beyond that – it wouldn’t be very difficult (I know …

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Reader Response: Go Design Some Trash Cans

In response to the article from A Coffee Mug Runs The Cleveland Orchestra, I received the following note from Thomas in Lexington, KY: Subject: dumber than usual Mr. McManus, [Regarding] the Cleveland Orchestra’s coffee mug— most people catch on that they really should read more than just the first entry of results from search engines. For example… I think I’m going to… send my resume to the Cleveland Orchestra c/o of …

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