The New Cultural Superpower

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In the not too distant past, the Cold War superpowers competed on a number of fronts, including cultural accomplishments.  Although classical music functioned in a unique role as a sort of “universal language” spoken by musicians who served as ad hoc ambassadors, both superpowers wanted their ambassador musicians to speak the language a little better than other side. We can thank that cold war mentality for contributing to the birth of …

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Thanks For the Cash But We’ll Need To See Your ID

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There’s a sticky situation surrounding the now incarcerated investing magnate Alberto Vilar’s alleged indiscretions. The U.S. government has charged Mr. Vilar with three fraud related counts including defrauding a client of $5 million and using a high six-figure portion of those funds to make good on several defaulted pledges to performing arts organizations; including high profile groups such as The New York Philharmonic and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing …

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An ICSOM Orchestra In ROPA Clothing

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The Grand Rapids Symphony, perched atop the pile of ROPA organizations for a number of years, has been staring its destiny square in the face.  Oddly enough, when compared to organizations at the lower end of the ICSOM budget scale (the next level up from ROPA status), Grand Rapids excels in nearly every category:

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