Now that we know what makes classical music so valuable, it is time to examine the other elements that can make or break a concert event. Fortunately for us, Cincinnati Enquirer music critic Janelle Gelfand has taken the time to create a contribution that does exactly that. What’s more, her contribution presents solid evidence pointing to the long term value of Take A Friend To Orchestra (TAFTO) and its impact on not only audience development but retention…
TAFTO 2009 Contribution: Matthew Guerrieri
Just when you think Take A Friend To Orchestra (TAFTO) creativity has reached terminal velocity, a contributor comes along to remind us otherwise. Case in point, Soho The Dog’s Matthew Guerrieri whose contribution reminds us what makes classical music so valuable in the first place. What’s more, he sums up what would normally take hours to discuss in merely 28 cartoon panels (that’s right, it’s one of Matt’s legendary cartoons!) All of the sudden, the economic downturn doesn’t seem so daunting…
Things That Make you Go “Buh?” Brooklyn Phil
The 4/14/2009 edition of The Brooklyn Paper published an article by Mike McLaughlin that reports composer Nathan Currier is suing the Brooklyn Philharmonic for making him cut sections of his piece, Gaian Variations, during the 2004 world premiere. According to the article, then Brooklyn Phil Executive Director, Catherine Cahill, approached Currier during the concert-length performance’s second of two intermissions to talk about overtime issues related to the work’s length… The article …
IMG Artists Chairman Guilty Of Securities Fraud
The 4/15/2009 edition of The Dallas Morning News published an article by Brendan Case that reports former Dallas hedge fund manager Barrett Wissman “pleaded guilty to securities fraud in connection with his role in an alleged kickback scheme involving New York state’s largest pension fund.” In 2003, when talent management agency IMG decided to jettison its classical and jazz roster, Wissman stepped in as a major investor and eventual Chairman of the spinoff, IMG Artists. Those familiar with the business will recognize that IMG Artists is one of the largest artist management agencies in the US…
A New, New Media Guide
Recently, Marc Van Bree published a free eBook about orchestras and new media that serves as the latest episode in his series on the topic. Coming in at 56 pages, Marc’s book is filled with useful info but if you don’t have time to process the entire document, I strongly recommend that public relations and marketing professionals read the chapters on adapting press materials and how to measure results (pages 26-32). …