It is only Tuesday but there are a number of items worth pointing out and we’ll start up north and work our down. First, moments after the news that the CBC Radio Orchestras was going to be disbanded was announced, social networking groups centered on saving the orchestra started springing up. Save the CBC Radio Orchestra! group at facebook.com is more than 3,300 members strong and public demonstrations are being organized as well. TAFTO 2008 contributor and author of The Collaborative Piano Blog, Chris Foley, is doing an excellent job at detailing these events and more…
Labor Relations
The Shreveport Times: How Coverage Should Unfold
The 3/27/2008 edition of the Shreveport Times published an article by Donecia Pea which provides a comprehensive look at the ongoing labor dispute between the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and the symphony musicians, the Orchestra Players United of Shreveport-Bossier (OPUS). After wading through the less than desirable coverage of the Columbus situation provided by the Columbus Dispatch, it is a welcome relief to see some evenhanded reporting…
An Orchestra Vanishes
The CBC Radio Orchestra is being disbanded at the end of November, 2008. The Globe and Mail reported the announcement late this evening. According to the paper, CBC spokesperson Jeff Keay was quoted saying "Really, it’s straight up a case of economics…We couldn’t afford to maintain the orchestra." Nevertheless, the paper reports that Keay "maintains the CBC will save no money with this move." With economic sense like that, it is …
A Tangled Web Indeed
If you haven’t read it yet, Ron Spigelman posted an excellent article on 3/22/2008 at Sticks and Drones about some recent changes made to the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra (SSO) website. Although the ongoing situation in Columbus has had a great deal of attention, there is an equally significant series of events developing in Shreveport between the SSO and the symphony musicians, the Orchestra Players United of Shreveport-Bossier (OPUS). The particulars of that situation will be examined here in the near future but the issues which Ron brings to light are worth immediate attention…
As Negotiations Continue, Columbus Eyes Cash Flow
On Tuesday, 3/18/2008 the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) held their first official bargaining session with the musicians to discuss a new contract to replace the current agreement which expires on August 31, 2008. According to spokespersons from the CSO and the CSO musicians, the initial meeting was amicable and productive with both parties agreeing to a press blackout while talks are underway. There are several additional meetings scheduled through the end of April and CSO executive director, Tony Beadle said that he hopes they can agree on a new contract as soon as possible. In addition to the negotiations, the CSO’s primary focus is managing cash flow…