A Word To The Wise?
Mon, Dec 12, 2008
by Drew McManus
In case you haven’t checked the headlines out in the past week, you should be aware of the fact that Cleveland Plain Dealer critic, Don Rosenberg, filed a lawsuit against key figures in the Cleveland Orchestra. According to the 12/11/08 edition of the New York Times in an article by Dan Wakin, Rosenberg charged that
The Anti-Joy Of No Internet
Fri, Dec 12, 2008
by Drew McManus
The topic I wanted to write about today (the audition process) required some online research but due to a nearly 24 hour internet service outage in my area of Chicago, that wasn’t an option. As such, I’ll have to address that topic toward the middle of next week after I return from some work in
Encouraging Signs In Virginia
Thu, Dec 12, 2008
by Drew McManus
As the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) awaits a December 17, 2008 decision by their local government over whether or not they will provide emergency financial support in the form of a loan, supporters of the program, such as City of Norfolk Mayor Paul D. Fraim, can draw support from a casual poll initiated by Hampton
How About That, Subsidized Tickets
Wed, Dec 12, 2008
by Drew McManus
According to a press release from the Metropolitan Opera, the organization is offering approximately 1,600 $25.00 tickets for weekend performances throughout the remainder of the 2008/09 season. The regular price for these tickets ranges $140.00 to $295.00 and the price difference is being counterbalanced through $3 million in donations from among Board’s 45 managing directors…
The YouTube Orchestra. Meh…
Tue, Dec 12, 2008
by Drew McManus
In what feels like the orchestral equivalent of the overhyped Snakes On A Plane, the YouTube Symphony Orchestra fell into the world of online promotion like a cultural bat out of hell. Frankly, I don’t get why some people see it as such a big deal. The egalitarian slant is quickly revealed to be nothing
Some Clarification In Virginia
Mon, Dec 12, 2008
by Drew McManus
The 12/5/2008 edition of the Virginian-Pilot published an article by Teresa Annas which reports on the current cash-crunch at the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO). Although the article does a fine job at reporting on some of the VSO’s current financial positions and some wonderful efforts by local politicians, there are a few inaccuracies about the
Have You Subscribed To The Weekly Email Summary?
Fri, Dec 12, 2008
by Drew McManus
Although RSS is convenient and flexible tool to stay in touch with your favorite blogs, the allure of an old-fashioned email notice is stronger than ever; as such, don’t forget about Adaptistration’s Weekly Email Summary. Delivered to your email every Friday, it provides a concise summary of each week’s articles as well as access to
More On Musician Temperament
Thu, Dec 12, 2008
by Drew McManus
The ever sharp Sam Bergman published a fascinating post on 12/3/08 in response to the satirical article published by Holly Mulcahy about how musician behavior can alienate audiences (you have to love cross blog blogging). Sam does a wonderful job at expanding on Holly’s original premise, especially with regard to root causes which unintentionally develop
The One-Two Punch Of Inflated Ticket Prices
Wed, Dec 12, 2008
by Drew McManus
Last week I pointed readers to an article written by Mark Stryker in the 11/26/08 edition of the Detroit Free Press which examined the current state of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra finances. In that article, Mark reports that the organization is experiencing a decline in ticket sales and a recent sudden drop in financial support
Orchestra Musicians Can Be Temperamental?
Tue, Dec 12, 2008
by Drew McManus
Continuing in her series of articles entitled “How To Alienate Your Audience In 10 Easy Steps” Holly Mulcahy published the second installment which focuses on musician behavior. Although orchestra musicians don’t have as much direct contact with concertgoers or board members as music directors, there are plenty of points where poor conduct and a sloppy
