Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

To Strike Or Not To Strike

Fri, Oct 10, 2010
When the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) mess started to unfold, it seemed as though we wouldn’t have to have some of the rudimentary conversations that typically accompany work stoppages, such as the purpose of strikes and lockouts within the context of the orchestra business. As it turns out, we do…

Workplace Satisfaction Poll Results

Thu, Sep 9, 2010
Last Friday’s casual poll asking readers to rate the level of importance of employee satisfaction within orchestral organizations has determined that things aren’t as happy as they could be. At the time this post was written, there were just over 400 responses and 2/3 of respondents indicated they don’t have a positive outlook on how

Quid Pro “No”

Wed, Sep 9, 2010
On 9/27/2010 the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) musicians published a statement at their website offering up speculation on why conductor JoAnn Faletta withdrew from conducting their self produced concerts on 10/3/2010 and 10/10/2010. According to the musicians, Faletta had “graciously agreed to conduct…donating her services during their labor dispute with management” but shortly thereafter Columbia

Mehta Leaving New York Philharmonic in 2012

Tue, Sep 9, 2010
Not long ago, the Managing Director of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Bill Mason, announced he would be stepping down at the end of the 2001/12 season. In a similar move, New York Philharmonic President and Executive Director, Zarin Mehta, announced (pdf) he will be leaving his position at the same time. All in all,

Where Things Stand In Detroit

Mon, Sep 9, 2010
As last ditch, multi-mediator facilitated bargaining sessions between the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and their musicians failed to produce a settlement over the weekend, the organization crossed the first major benchmark in contentious labor disputes. In this case, DSO management decided to abandon play and talk bargaining in favor of implementing their last, best, and
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