Spin In St. Paul
Fri, Jul 7, 2013
by Drew McManus
Just a short post today thanks to a longer than expected day of travel getting back to Chicago. Take some time today to stop by the article from Euan Kerr in the 7/16/13 edition of Minnesota Public Radio where he examines the mass turnover in musicians at the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO). There is
Does The Psychology Of Wealth Influence The Orchestra Field?
Thu, Jul 7, 2013
by Drew McManus
There’s a fascinating report by Paul Solman about new research from the University of California, Berkeley on how wealth and inequality affects us psychologically. Originally broadcast on June 21, 2013 at PBSNewsHour.com one of the conclusions derived from the experimental evidence is rich people (those earning $150,000+ per year) are more likely to lie during
People Destroying America: Lynn Harrell
Wed, Jul 7, 2013
by Drew McManus
Following last week’s discussion about not-so-great satire, today’s post is all about some brilliant satire from the Colbert Report that brings up the feud between Delta Airlines and cellist Lynn Harrell where the former cancelled all miles for the latter’s instrument and personal frequent flyer account. Harrell detailed the events in a blog post back
Steinway’s New Owners See Expanded Market Potential
Tue, Jul 7, 2013
by Drew McManus
Even though the classical music economic climate might look chilly to some observers, it seems that forecast doesn’t extend to the luxury piano market where a private equity firm, Kohlberg & Company, recently purchased Steinway & Sons for $438 million. Although there was some reasonable trepidation from musicians and classical music presenters over the announcement,
Minnesota May Mediate
Mon, Jul 7, 2013
by Drew McManus
The 7/12/13 edition of the Star Tribune published an article by Graydon Royce which reports that the Minnesota Orchestra Association and its musicians have entered into a ten day getting-to-know-you period where both sides will determine if they are comfortable working with a mediator with the goal of resolving the season long labor dispute and
We Have Met The Enemy and He Is Us
Fri, Jul 7, 2013
by Drew McManus
The commencement speech given by Aspen Music Festival and School President and CEO Alan Fletcher during the 2013 Convocation on 6/24/2013 has been making the rounds due, in part, to its approach that some of the recent troubles in the field are the result of self inflicted stakeholder relations problems than merely a down economy. Regular
Tools Of The Trade: 2013
Thu, Jul 7, 2013
by Drew McManus
Amidst the summer conference/convention cycle, one of more enjoyable shop-talk conversations that come up is comparing notes on tools used to get stuff done. Consequently, let’s expand the discussion to the extended online crowd and talk about what you use for tools of the trade. Caveats (*) Since part of my business incorporates web development,
ORD > JAC: Off To The Tetons
Wed, Jul 7, 2013
by Drew McManus
I’m en route to Jackson Hole, WY today for my annual working vacation at the Grand Teton Music Festival (GTMF). A truly lovely destination, the Grand Teton National Park is an ideal backdrop for one of the best summer music festivals in the country. My time here is shorter than usual, only getting one week this time
Get Ready for The 2013 Orchestra Compensation Reports
Tue, Jul 7, 2013
by Drew McManus
2013 seems to be the year of delay and this time around, it’s the 2013 Orchestra Compensation reports, which usually come out in June but this time around, it won’t be until later this month. But arrive it shall and this year’s installment is of particular interest as it covers the 2010/11 season, which ushered
A New Low For Classical Music Journalism
Mon, Jul 7, 2013
by Drew McManus
Normally, something like today’s topic wouldn’t even merit attention but this particular transgression is so extreme, it would be irresponsible to let it slide by under the radar (and thanks to Frank Almond over at non divisi for bringing this to everyone’s attention). Specifically, it is a post in the Village Voice blogs by Tom
