The Honolulu Symphony – An Island Unto Itself

It’s not uncommon to hear managers and musicians alike espouse how their orchestra is “unique” among the landscape of American orchestras.  They use this to justify why an idea that is successful at Orchestra “A” wouldn’t be transferable to their situation. And to small degrees this is usually true, but the larger picture shows us that they are probably more alike than not.  One orchestra which can legitimately claim that it …

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The Controversy Over Commissions

I have to start off this article by employing the use of a shockingly dirty word.  A word so heinous that it’s mention can curve an arts administrator’s spine, infect the soul of a donor, and cause America’s orchestras to fall into ruin.  If you have a child reading over your shoulder you had best cover their eyes.  This filthy word is: commissions…

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Back In Town

 I’m back from the Tetons and I already miss being there.  It never ceases to amaze me just how good an orchestra can play when everyone is happy, healthy, and talented.  There was a fantastic concert where the first half featured music entirely by modern composers (although the modern music purists would be upset to know I include Barber in that grouping) followed up with Dvorak’s 7th Symphony on the second …

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Reader Response: SFS “Keeping Score”

A number of readers sent in their thoughts about the San Francisco Symphony’s “Keeping Score” program and everyone had very positive impressions.  However, I did see an odd theme reoccurring through some of the responses. It appears that in a number of PBS markets throughout the country, “Keeping Score” was either not broadcast or aired during late prime time hours.  Here in the Baltimore area, it was aired at June 16th …

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