More Insight On Orchestras And Simulcasts

The September 3, 2010 edition of the Boston Globe published an article by David Weininger that takes a closer look at the potential behind orchestras and theater simulcasts. I spent some time talking with Weininger about the topic and he included much of our conversation points in the article…

The topic is an outgrowth of the WNYC Soundcheck Smackdown from 8/24/2010 (listen) and it is good to see Weininger take a closer look at the potential as it relates to internet, smartphone, and cable/satellite television providers. And speaking of that topic, you can watch a video from the January, 2010 American Orchestras Summit at the University of Michigan where University professor Michael Jensen presented some intriguing projections that ruffled more than a few feathers of those in attendance (the video is from “Panel #3”).

What do you think; is there any real potential for simulcasts among the majority of US orchestras or is it something that only a select few will be able to implement?

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.

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