Just When You Thought It Was Done
Thu, Feb 2, 2014
by Drew McManus
It seemed like the story behind the Lipinski Strad robbery was winding down; suspects were apprehended, the instrument and bows were returned, and all that remained were the gears of the remaining investigation and likely trial. But all of that took a sharp left turn when one of the suspects, Salah Salahadyn, walked into the
A Shoutout To Everyone Working In The Dark
Wed, Feb 2, 2014
by Drew McManus
Now that we’re nearly two months past winter solstice and the effects of increased daylight hours have a positive impact on the work day, it is worth pointing out that not everyone shares in the benefits. Here in Chicago, one performing arts organization’s administrative office complex is colloquially known as “The Bunker” which as the
Will Henson Stay Or Will He Go?
Tue, Feb 2, 2014
by Drew McManus
There has been no shortage of speculation on whether or not Minnesota Orchestra Association (MOA) President Michael Henson will remain as the orchestra’s executive administrator in the wake of what is arguably the field’s most acrimonious work stoppage. There are no shortage of voices calling for his removal, including former MOA music director Osmo Vanska;
More On The Value Of Happiness
Mon, Feb 2, 2014
by Drew McManus
Workplace satisfaction is an important topic here if for no other reason than it is one of the most common areas where the field refuses to address its collective shortcomings. But I’ll let you in on a secret: the first groups to genuinely embrace the notion of creating and, perhaps more importantly, quantifying internal value
Reseller Reprobate Alert
Fri, Feb 2, 2014
by Drew McManus
There’s a must-read article at Butts In The Seats about the nagging peril of ticket spoofing which is when disreputable individuals prey on your potential ticket buyers by presenting themselves as legitimate vendors for your events. You’ve likely seen adds whether you knew it or not, especially at outlets like Facebook. In short, these scam
Closure Is Good
Thu, Feb 2, 2014
by Drew McManus
Unless you’ve been in some sort of personal media blackout, it’s difficult to avoid all of the news surrounding the discovery and return of the Lipinski Stradivarius last weekend. In addition to performing a special recital on 2/10/2014, the Lipinki’s current steward, violinist Frank Almond, has started talking about the event now that the investigation
Mayhem In Memphis
Wed, Feb 2, 2014
by Drew McManus
It looks like the Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has officially entered into cycle of panic induced fundraising coupled with all but certain massive budget cuts. The MSO released a press statement on 1/30/2014 asserting that the economic downturn and fickle patron habits have forced the organization into financial crisis. An article from the January 31,
The Orchestra 990 Database Project Is Live
Tue, Feb 2, 2014
by Drew McManus
It is official: the Orchestra 990 Database Project Kickstarter campaign is off and running! Between now and Friday, 3/28/2014 we need to generate $40,000 in pledges, it’s going to be crazy exciting and to help get things moving, get psyched up on the project video. The Kickstarter page has all of the details related to
This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us
Mon, Feb 2, 2014
by Drew McManus
The Minnesota Orchestra Association (MOA) may be back to the business of presenting concerts, but that doesn’t mean the drama has abated. At the first concerts since the work stoppage, shouts from the audience to “bring back Osmo” and “Fire Henson” reportedly punctuated remarks from musician and board representatives. Unlike the traditional chicken or egg
Wait…For…It…
Fri, Feb 2, 2014
by Drew McManus
The original idea for today was to officially launch the Orchestra 990 Database Project Kickstarter campaign but thanks to the astoundingly slow process at Amazon Payments, the launch cycle has been pushed back a bit. We’re looking at Monday, 2/9/14 as the new launch date. Fortunately, the Lipinski Strad ordeal ended the week on a
