The (New) Realities of Orchestral Life
Mon, Nov 11, 2008
by Drew McManus
Recently, Cincinnati based pianist and blogger, Joshua Nemith, posted an excellent pair of articles that provide detailed advice on how musicians who are not employed in a salaried position can survive and thrive in what he defines as “the new economy.” Along with very practical recommendations, Joshua touches on a subject not discussed here in
When Politics And Arts Management Collide
Fri, Nov 11, 2008
by Drew McManus
WE all know there’s nothing wrong with arts managers having strong political opinions and those opinions are of no business to the organization where they work. At the same time, how a manager expresses those opinions does impact the organization and a good manager needs to be aware of this when exercising his/her right to
Breaking News: Hirokami “Departs” Columbus Symphony
Thu, Nov 11, 2008
by Drew McManus
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) released a statement today announcing what was described as the “departure” of Junichi Hirokami as the organization’s music director. It is not yet clear if Junichi resigned for the position of if he was dismissed by the CSO board, however, based on a comment from CSO board chair, Martin Inglis,
Examining Chicago’s Beyond The Score Program
Thu, Nov 11, 2008
by Drew McManus
Now in its fourth year, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s (CSO) Beyond The Score programs continue to draw large audiences and positive reviews. The brainchild of Gerard McBurney, CSO Artistic Programming Advisor, the series of concerts features a presentation format that draws on live musical examples to illustrate the structure of each composition in the first
Negotiation News From Wisconsin
Wed, Nov 11, 2008
by Drew McManus
According to statements from the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) and the Musicians of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, the organization is planning to present their Holiday Pops Concert scheduled for November 29 and 30, 2008. WCO musicians have been on strike since the beginning of October but both sides agreed to presenting the holiday concerts due
Cultural Confidence Update
Tue, Nov 11, 2008
by Drew McManus
The latest cycle in the ongoing Cultural Confidence poll finished up this weekend and the Cultural Confidence Indicator has been updated accordingly. Results from that poll cycle indicate the current mood toward cultural institution’s finances is similar to the previous two week period whereas the economic outlook improved a bit. Worth noting is this period
Things That Make You Go “Buh?” Overheard At The Opera
Mon, Nov 11, 2008
by Drew McManus
You have to shake your head at some of things you overhear during intermission. For example, this past Friday at the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s opening night of LuLu (Marlis Petersen was fantastic), I was standing around during the first intermission minding my own business enjoying the view of the building’s grand foyer when two
Get The Cash Before It’s Gone
Fri, Nov 11, 2008
by Drew McManus
The United States Federal Government isn’t even half way through handing out more than $700 billion in bailout funds to the nation’s financial institutions in hopes of healing self-inflicted wounds and now the three major US auto makers are looking for a handout. According to a report from CNN, the auto makers claim sharp declines
Getting Musicians Involved
Thu, Nov 11, 2008
by Drew McManus
Following the Canadian Orchestra Website Review, Calgary Philharmonic Bassist (and TAFTO 2008 contributor), Matt Heller, posted an article at his blog the other week which questioned the value of posting contact information for musicians. Based on the parameters Matt approached the topic I would agree with his conclusions, especially with regard to obligating musicians to
Post Election Confidence Poll
Wed, Nov 11, 2008
by Drew McManus
Now that the country has spoken and Barak Obama is the president elect, I’m curious to know if this has any impact on your economic outlook for orchestra/opera/ballet organizations. Since we started tracking these issues a month ago, the economic outlook has been quite grim; however, can these election results change attitudes?…
