Commentary
The Programmatic Lightness Of Being
Tue, Nov 11, 2021
by Drew McManus
It’s funny how the pandemic can make old conversation new again when viewed through the lens of hyper pragmaticism. The whole traditional vs. contemporary programming debate is a good example. Recently, the New York Times published an interview with cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han, who jointly run the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Musical Left Behind Syndrome
Fri, Nov 11, 2021
by Drew McManus
We’re wading into musician issue territory today by way of an article in the 11/8/21 edition of The Strad by violinist Daniel Kurganov about making it as a professional violinist who started at the age of 16 when many begin a decade or more earlier. I am very lucky to have parents who, while not
The Pandemic’s Impact On Us Vs. Them Syndrome
Mon, Nov 11, 2021
by Drew McManus
There’s a fascinating article in the 10/26/21 edition of the Pittsburgh-Gazette by Jeremy Reynolds that examines the impact vaccination mandates are having on Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) musicians. Like many nonprofit performing arts organizations, the PSO adopted vaccination requirements for all artist employees and Reynolds’ article dives into some of the resulting conflict among some
I’ll See Your Study And Raise You A Proposal
Fri, Oct 10, 2021
by Drew McManus
Recently, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) released a report examining how arts and culture institutions that accepted Payroll Protection Program (PPP) handled staff layoffs. It’s a good report and if you’re interested in a deeper dive, you can find some good analysis and commentary from Hakim Bishara at hyperallergic.com and
If Your Group Developed Streaming Content, Was It A Temporary Or Long-Term Strategy?