Things That Make You Go “Buh?” Overheard At The Opera

You have to shake your head at some of things you overhear during intermission. For example, this past Friday at the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s opening night of LuLu (Marlis Petersen was fantastic), I was standing around during the first intermission minding my own business enjoying the view of the building’s grand foyer when two patrons walked up next to me and engaged in one of the most remarkable conversations I’ve overheard in some time…

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Get The Cash Before It’s Gone

The United States Federal Government isn’t even half way through handing out more than $700 billion in bailout funds to the nation’s financial institutions in hopes of healing self-inflicted wounds and now the three major US auto makers are looking for a handout. According to a report from CNN, the auto makers claim sharp declines in sales necessitate sizeable levels of government assistance in the form of direct bailout funds or massive low-interest loans. Given the government’s habit of handing out large sums of cash, no questions asked, for foreign wars and domestic financial impropriety the nation’s professional arts organizations had better step up with their hat in their hand soon before China decides to stop lending us money…

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Getting Musicians Involved

Following the Canadian Orchestra Website Review, Calgary Philharmonic Bassist (and TAFTO 2008 contributor), Matt Heller, posted an article at his blog the other week which questioned the value of posting contact information for musicians. Based on the parameters Matt approached the topic I would agree with his conclusions, especially with regard to obligating musicians to provide personal information. I’m glad Matt posted his article as it sums up the frustrations I hear from orchestra managers working on a project that requires requesting information from musicians for the organizational website…

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Post Election Confidence Poll

Now that the country has spoken and Barak Obama is the president elect, I’m curious to know if this has any impact on your economic outlook for orchestra/opera/ballet organizations. Since we started tracking these issues a month ago, the economic outlook has been quite grim; however, can these election results change attitudes?…

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