An article in 11/15/05 edition of the San Francisco Chronicle by Joshua Kosman, Chronicle Music Critic, reported on a new concert series from the San Francisco Symphony designed to not only attract new listeners and convert them into returning patrons but appeal to existing patrons as well. The series, entitled Friday 6.5, divides the concert up into two halves and has the conductor verbally guide the audience through portions of the program on the first half and then use the second half to play through the entire work. The trick, of course, is how effective the program will be at realizing its goals…
Year: 2005
Pondering Recent Cuts In Baltimore
The recent decision by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra management to eliminate several performances from their Strathmore Hall concert schedule came as a disappointment after reports that their inaugural concerts last season had sold so well (for those who are unaware, the Baltimore Symphony began performing concerts at a second venue, the brand new Music Center at Strathmore, during their regular concert season). The news came as just another cloud in an already dark sky for the organization…
Some Solemn News For The Louisiana Phil
Things have been looking up for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) over the months following Katrina; they have been the recipients of two wonderful sponsored performance events in Nashville and New York City. Unfortunately, some solemn news came out of New Orleans this past week…
It’s More Like The Political Arena Than You Think
In case you missed it, one of the best pieces of journalism from this year was published in the 11/06/05 edition of the Oregonian. Music critic David Stabler presents an excellent parallel between the world of politicians and the world of orchestras…