Now that the 2008 Take A Friend To Orchestra program is completed, I can take a moment to properly address something that happened in connection to the ongoing situation at the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO). In particular, the 4/9/2008 edition of the Columbus Dispatch published an article by Michael Grossberg which stands out as the most reprehensible contribution to date among a string of disappointing articles that have been masquerading as acceptable coverage of the CSO’s current situation…
Negotiations
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…
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…
Columbus Travels Around The Blogosphere
All of the recent Chicken Little oriented news reported in the Columbus Dispatch has prompted a considerable response throughout the cultural blogosphere. Some of it has been somewhat plaintive while other posts have been red-hot over how the situation is unfolding. In a related issue, although the Dispatch published an editorial in support of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) board’s proposed financial plan, they have not pursued what is normal procedure for most newspapers by publishing an op-ed piece shortly thereafter although several have been submitted from official sources in opposition to the proposed financial plan. As such, here’s a breakdown of who is writing what…