2013 – Page 24 – Adaptistration

Does The Psychology Of Wealth Influence The Orchestra Field?

Thursday, July 18th, 2013 by Drew McManus

There’s a fascinating report by Paul Solman about new research from the University of California, Berkeley on how wealth and inequality affects us psychologically. Originally broadcast on June 21, 2013 at PBSNewsHour.com one of the conclusions derived from the experimental evidence is rich people (those earning $150,000+ per year) are more likely to lie during negotiations and endorse unethical behavior. Given the frequency and degree of intense labor disputes in the …

People Destroying America: Lynn Harrell

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013 by Drew McManus

Following last week’s discussion about not-so-great satire, today’s post is all about some brilliant satire from the Colbert Report that brings up the feud between Delta Airlines and cellist Lynn Harrell where the former cancelled all miles for the latter’s instrument and personal frequent flyer account. Harrell detailed the events in a blog post back in December, 2012. The Colbert Report segment is just brilliant; witty, well edited, and yes it …

Steinway’s New Owners See Expanded Market Potential

Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 by Drew McManus

Even though the classical music economic climate might look chilly to some observers, it seems that forecast doesn’t extend to the luxury piano market where a private equity firm, Kohlberg & Company, recently purchased Steinway & Sons for $438 million. Although there was some reasonable trepidation from musicians and classical music presenters over the announcement, it appears that the new owners are actually looking to expand production and maintain existing quality …

Minnesota May Mediate

Monday, July 15th, 2013 by Drew McManus

The 7/12/13 edition of the Star Tribune published an article by Graydon Royce which reports that the Minnesota Orchestra Association and its musicians have entered into a ten day getting-to-know-you period where both sides will determine if they are comfortable working with a mediator with the goal of resolving the season long labor dispute and work stoppage. The only noticeable difference in this current effort is the lack of aggressive action-reaction …

We Have Met The Enemy and He Is Us

Friday, July 12th, 2013 by Drew McManus

The commencement speech given by Aspen Music Festival and School President and CEO Alan Fletcher during the 2013 Convocation on 6/24/2013 has been making the rounds due, in part, to its approach that some of the recent troubles in the field are the result of self inflicted stakeholder relations problems than merely a down economy. Regular Adaptistration readers already know this is a well-worn topic but it is nice to see it …