Drew McManus on the orchestra business.
Have you been following the hoopla surrounding the auction of the “Titanic Violin” that was allegedly found with the body of the ill fated ship’s band master, Wallace Hartley? It’s been an interesting media circus and ever since it was announced that the instrument would go up for auction at the end of this month, a steady stream of cynicism has been casting shadows over the whole affair. Consequently, it’s heartening …
It was go-go-go this past weekend in Los Angeles, CA for the HEARTbeats Foundation’s benefit album release event (more on that later in the week when pictures are ready but you can purchase a copy now at iTunes); in the meantime, I wanted to post some thoughts on the Nashville Symphony Orchestra’s (NSO) news last week about made it into the news last week. Nashville Scene reporter John Pitcher authored an …
After suffering a brain hemorrhage during his performance of the Strauss Oboe Concerto, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra Principal Oboist William Bennett passed away. Bennett served as the orchestra’s Principal Oboist for 26 years but was a member of the orchestra 34 years. The orchestra released a statement on 2/28/2013 and there have been numerous articles recounting his career, accomplishments, and consummate musicianship. H/T to Brian Wise at WQXR for posting this …
Renowned cellist and Inside The Arts author Lynn Harrell published an article today announcing that after 50 years of making music together, he has decided to sell his 1720 Montagnana. The post recounts his time purchasing the instrument in 1962 but one of the real highlights is a particular line that is just about the best example I’ve come across that embodies the very unique relationship between a musician and his/her …
The President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Obama, On the occasion of your first inauguration, I wrote to you with the request to consider building a bold program of cultural diplomacy as one answer to the problem of improving and maintaining international relations. In hindsight, I believe that we can still do much more and I continue to encourage and support your daring leadership in …