Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

Current Events

Arrogance is a weed that grows mostly on a dunghill*

Mon, Sep 9, 2013
During a 2013 meeting of the Minnesota Orchestra Laureate Society, the orchestra’s President & CEO, Michael Henson, declared that “blogs are senseless and must be ignored.” This comment was offered up within the context of the orchestra’s media coverage related to the season-long work stoppage. The Arabic quote serving as today’s headline was the first

Steinway’s New Owners See Expanded Market Potential

Tue, Jul 7, 2013
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,

Tools Of The Trade: 2013

Thu, Jul 7, 2013
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Amidst the summer conference/convention cycle, one of more enjoyable shop-talk conversations that come up is comparing notes on tools used to get stuff done. Consequently, let’s expand the discussion to the extended online crowd and talk about what you use for tools of the trade. Caveats (*) Since part of my business incorporates web development,

A New Low For Classical Music Journalism

Mon, Jul 7, 2013
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Normally, something like today’s topic wouldn’t even merit attention but this particular transgression is so extreme, it would be irresponsible to let it slide by under the radar (and thanks to Frank Almond over at non divisi for bringing this to everyone’s attention). Specifically, it is a post in the Village Voice blogs by Tom

Happy Fourth Of July

Thu, Jul 7, 2013
I hope everyone gets a chance today to get out and enjoy time with family and friends and kudos to you if you’re engaged in a concert, making today that much more special for everyone in your community. If you’re home with a bit of extra time to surf the web today and are thinking
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