Playing Catch-up
Thu, Mar 3, 2009
by Drew McManus
There’s only time for a quick post today: first, check out a slew of passionate comments to Stephen Lemons’ piece about the Phoenix Symphony brouhaha. Next, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) issued their last, best, and final offer to musicians but don’t think that’s the end; the musicians have indicated they plan to wait on
Bad Stuff In Phoenix Indeed
Wed, Mar 3, 2009
by Drew McManus
Over at Abu Bratsche, Robert Levine published an article on 3/23/09 entitled Bad stuff in Phoenix which brings to light ongoing events inside the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra regarding a slew of complaints resulting from what Robert describes as “general nastiness by the Phoenix Symphony management and Music Director Michael Christie.” But once you learn more
Things That Make you Go “Buh?” NJSO
Tue, Mar 3, 2009
by Drew McManus
The 3/20/2009 edition of the New York Times published an article by Dan Wakin that compares and contrasts the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons. Of particular note is the news that the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) is using orchestra musicians to reduce overall guest artist expenditures. Unfortunately, the way the programming
Cultural Confidence Is Looking Up
Mon, Mar 3, 2009
by Drew McManus
Here’s some good news to start your week: the latest cultural confidence polling cycle indicates things are looking up for the first time in several months. In particular, the numbers of respondents indicating current economic conditions at their institution are “good” is at the highest levels since polling began in October, 2008. In fact, for
A Much Needed Class Act
Fri, Mar 3, 2009
by Drew McManus
The 3/19/2009 edition of the Columbus Dispatch, reports that piano soloist Emmanuel Ax is waiving his fee for this weekend’s performances with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO). Regular readers (and everyone else in the business not living under a rock for the past season) know all about the CSO’s troubles so Ax’s generosity, which was
Everyone Loves A Good Horse Race
Thu, Mar 3, 2009
by Drew McManus
With just over 75 votes at the time this piece is written, Tuesday’s poll asking whether or not an orchestra administration should be expected to provide special compensation to musicians for recording marketing/education/outreach material has produced a 50/50 split with two uncertain votes. Given the level of depth to this issue, it seems reasonable to
Fearing Fear Itself
Wed, Mar 3, 2009
by Drew McManus
The labor situation at the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) continues to grind forward. At the conclusion of an article from 3/12/2009, we were awaiting a response from Daniel A. Kaplan, the attorney representing the WCO for these negotiations, on details behind why the WCO has engaged in what has been called by some in the
Value Of Recording Poll Results
Tue, Mar 3, 2009
by Drew McManus
The 132 responses to the Value of Orchestra Recordings poll from 3/10/2009 produced some intriguing results, my sincere thanks to all who took the time to vote and/or submit a comment. Although far from conclusive, the responses demonstrate that most respondents tend to feel orchestra recordings have the most potential as a less than substantial
Nudging Yourself Back On The Right Path
Mon, Mar 3, 2009
by Drew McManus
On 3/12/09, conductor Ron Spigelman posted an article at his blog, Sticks and Drones, that examines some recent decisions at the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra reported in an article from the 3/9/09 edition of the Grand Rapids Press. Whether he intended to or not, Spigelman raised exactly the right set of questions at exactly the
Orchestrating Crime and Punishment
Fri, Mar 3, 2009
by Drew McManus
It’s 5:30a.m. and he’s sound asleep. It’s his first week in what will likely be his home for the rest of his life. At precisely half past the hour ________ begins playing through a pair of speakers that have no volume or setting controls. His eyes snap open and another day begins. The “he” in
