One of the most common email topics I receive regarding the Columbus affair is from readers wondering what the orchestra musicians in nearby Cleveland and Cincinnati think about what is transpiring. Unfortunately, I could only respond by saying that beyond personal (and private) communications I’ve had with some of those musicians there has been no official communication. That is, until earlier this week when nearly all of the players from both orchestras signed the following letter…
Negotiations
Why Do They Keep Opening Their Mouths?
I finally had a moment to listen to the WOSU Open Line with Fred Andrle interview with Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) Board President Robert "Buzz" Trafford and Executive Director Tony Beadle and I have to say that it never ceases to surprise me how quickly executive leaders can get in over their head. Here are a few goodies…
In Columbus, Why Read When You Can Watch?
On Tuesday, May 20, 2008 the musicians of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) held a press conference to release a proposed financial plan prepared by Wachovia Securities Vice-President, Daniel R. LaMacchia. The musicians assert that this plan will allow the organization to move forward with an uninterrupted 2008/09 season as well as produce financial stability the CSO board has been seeking. According to an article in the 5/21/2008 edition of the Columbus Dispatch, CSO board president Robert "Buzz" Trafford accepted the musician’s invitation to resume negotiations but took the opportunity to deride LaMacchia’s credentials.
"Mr. LaMacchia is a stockbroker and I’m not sure how much he knows about the operations of a symphony orchestra," Trafford said.
The Futility Of Words In The Face Of Artistic Poignancy…
By Jeff Stahler, originally published in the April 11, 2008 edition of the Columbus Dispatch
Columbus’ Smoking Gun
If the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is destined to die, then patrons and the local community at-large deserve to know why the fatality should be investigated as a homicide. To that end, it is time to go hunting for clues and as it turns out, there’s a smoking gun at the crime scene…