Some Encouraging Words
Tue, Mar 3, 2009
by Drew McManus
Bruce Ridge, North Carolina Symphony Bassist and Chairman of the International Conference of Symphony (ICSOM), testified before the House Committee on Education and Labor in Washington D.C. on a hearing about the economic and employment impact of the arts and music industry on March 26, 2009. In a positive sign of our tax dollars at
Recording Compensation Poll Results
Mon, Mar 3, 2009
by Drew McManus
On 3/19/2009, readers were asked to answer the question “Should an orchestra administration be expected to provide special compensation to musicians for recording marketing/education/outreach material?” At just over 200 responses the results don’t provide a clear majority opinion but they do provide additional insight into this topic…
Point-Counterpoint In Madison
Fri, Mar 3, 2009
by Drew McManus
The musicians of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) issued a press release on 3/26/2009 announcing plans to picket WCO offices at 3:00p.m. CT and then move to the state Capitol to protest WCO Board tactics throughout their prolonged contract negotiations. Details of recent events in those negotiations and reasoning behind the latest round of offers
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
