Do You Really Want To Play “Sophie’s Choice” With Your Subscribers?

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I wanted to follow-up on one specific topic introduced in the sfcv.org article referenced in yesterday’s post in the form of forcing subscription renewals to choose or lose. If you have yet to read that article, it examines how arts organizations are navigating COVID-19 challenges. Here’s the broader context for the choose or lose subscription sales strategy: Orchestras are also facing the issue of whether, at this point to continue to …

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It’s Time To Leave Panic Mode Behind

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There’s no shortage of panic inducing discussions and news floating around. Big budget groups like the Guthrie Theater and The Met have announced or are telegraphing the punch of prolonged closures that gut most of the 20/21 season. If that weren’t enough, the timing of service organization annual conferences happened to fall right when we’re still only beginning to learn more about coronavirus. Early studies projected an apocalyptic future and those …

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State Of Employment Poll & Review May 18 – 24

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The past few weeks of our weekly employment status polls, which track both orchestra administrators and musicians, have generated some intriguing trends and this week was no exception. Weekly Report For whatever reason, the overall number of replies from all three stakeholder groups increased this week, especially from respondents identifying as an administrator. Administrators continued their trend toward a larger ratio working reduced hours/pay and those who are laid off or furloughed. …

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Live with Carnegie Hall: A Tribute to Lynn Harrell

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Mark your calendar now, on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 2:00pm ET Carnegie Hall will broadcast a free live tribute concert to Lynn Harrell. It is an absolutely beautiful tribute idea and an equally challenging task to organize in today’s environment. Thank you Carnegie Hall. I can’t wait. Here’s the official event description: American cellist Lynn Harrell’s half-century career placed him in the highest echelon of performing artists. A superstar roster …

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Three Generations Of Conductors Walk Into A Bar…

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No, this isn’t a joke; quite the opposite in fact. Instead, it’s a Facebook Live event happening this afternoon at 12 noon ET and hosted by Phoenix Symphony music director Tito Muñoz. Three generations of American conductors/musicians/leaders converge in a Facebook Live conversation to share their personal experiences during the current pandemic, and what they may foresee for the future of our industry. The panel includes: Marin Alsop Leonard Slatkin Michael …

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