Drew McManus on the orchestra business.
Capitalizing on the value of using personal experiences to connect with a reader, Leonard Slatkin has created a wonderful TAFTO contribution that draws on numerous events throughout his notable career – even one from when he was purportedly “just hanging around waiting for my first opportunity to conduct.”
All in all, his contribution is an uplifting and enjoyable piece that provides tangible examples about the value, and infectiousness, of making personal connections through classical music…
“Leave it to a manager to tell you how to work the system.” That is precisely what Michael Tiknis does with his TAFTO contribution. Michael is an arts manager who understands that the inherent value, and thereby draw, of any performing arts group is the talent. With a line like “So by all means, take a friend to the orchestra, but if you want the orchestra to gain a true friend, meet a musician while you’re there.” you simply know this is going to be a great piece.
Consequentially, Michael’s contribution offers some of the best straightforward advice I’ve ever come across with regard to how patrons can build a stronger relationship and increase their level of ownership with their respective orchestra. Not only that, but Michael also gives you the inside track few would be willing to offer with regard to what sort of bumps you’re likely to encounter along the way. For those of you who enjoy thoughtful, detailed instructions over nonspecific advice, this is a TAFTO contribution you’ll treasure…
Take A Friend To Orchestra is all about finding ways to help people who enjoy classical music share the event with friends. And having spent my first summer living in Chicago and taking advantage of the Grant Park Music Festival, I can safely say that there isn’t a combination of location, ensemble, atmosphere, and price that is better suited for introducing friends to orchestra concerts. After all, how can you beat an entire summer of a world class orchestra performing in a Frank Gehry designed venue with views of Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown Chicago all free of charge?
The entire GPMF enterprise does what they do so well, they make it look easy. As such, it should come as no surprise that GPMF General Director James Palermo’s contribution is the ideal piece to launch TAFTO, 2007. Enjoy…
The following organizations are offering special Take A Friend To Orchestra promotions: SYRACUSE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Throughout April, concert-goers can purchase “buy one, get one” tickets to take a friend to any SSO concert in May, 2007. The May series is: Beethoven Symphony No. 6, May 11-12, 2007 (Post-Standard Classics) An American Tribute, May 18-19, 2007 (M&T Bank Pops) Beethoven Lives Upstairs, May 19, 2007 (Central New York Community Foundation Family) Serkin …
In order to demonstrate just how wacky this business can be, I’ve assembled a group of “media releases” from recent events. Some are real and others are complete fabrications, can you tell which one is which…