You’re Doomed I Tell You. Doomed!
Wed, Sep 9, 2012
by Drew McManus
The 9/8/2012 edition of the Minneapolis Star Tribune published an article by Graydon Royce that examines the ongoing labor dispute at the Minnesota Orchestra (MO) and of particular interest is a quote from Richard Davis, the MO former board chair who is currently leading the management’s negotiation team. According to Davis, there are only two
Opus Awesome
Tue, Sep 9, 2012
by Drew McManus
On Saturday, 9/8/2012 LA Theatre Works (LATW) broadcast its latest radio play; Opus by Michael Hollinger staring Jonathan Adams, Jere Burns, Kevin Chamberlin, Steven Culp, Jon Matthews, and Liza Weil. Simply put, it’s an incredible production and so worth your time that you should go well out of your way to listen to the online
Indianapolis Locks Out Musicians And Cancels Concerts
Mon, Sep 9, 2012
by Drew McManus
According to a 9/8/2012 press statement from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO), the organization announced it failed to reach an agreement with its musicians; as a result, the organization canceled concert events scheduled to occur on September 14 and 15 as well as September 21-23. Shortly after the cancellation announcements, the ISO musicians asserted they
A War Of Words Indeed
Fri, Sep 9, 2012
by Drew McManus
Hats off to NPR’s Tom Huizenga for writing such a terrific article for the 9/6/2012 deceptive cadence blog. In particular, Huizenga examines the recently inaugurated hot war between the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and its musicians and the post does one of the best jobs I’ve ever encountered at putting things into perspective.
San Antonio Symphony Musicians File Legal Charges
Thu, Sep 9, 2012
by Drew McManus
Although it feels like it has been flying under the radar a bit in light of events in Indianapolis and Atlanta, events in San Antonio reached a new level on 9/4/2012 when the musicians of the San Antonio Symphony (SAS) issued a press statement to announce they filed an NLRB charge against the SAS for
Atlanta Musicians Locked Out
Wed, Sep 9, 2012
by Drew McManus
According to a 9/4/2012 press statement from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players Association (ASOPA), the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), by way of their parent organization the Woodruff Arts Center (WAC), has cancelled musician healthcare benefits, thereby initiating a work stoppage by means of lockout.
Indianapolis Symphony Launches PR Campaign
Tue, Sep 9, 2012
by Drew McManus
Following an initial press blackout, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) launched a PR campaign related to the ongoing labor dispute with their musicians. They released a lengthy press statement on 9/3/2012 that provides rationale for some of the austerity measures being pursued in the new collective bargaining agreement.
News Flash: Impending National Symphony CBA Terms
Mon, Sep 9, 2012
by Drew McManus
A source inside the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has provided details about the orchestra’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that reinforce the observation that not all orchestras are suffering in the current economy. The NSO musicians conducted a ratification meeting the morning of 9/3/12, the same day the agreement was set to expire and although
More Good News
Mon, Sep 9, 2012
by Drew McManus
In the wake of grim news from Indianapolis last week I enjoyed a fascinating email conversation with a colleague that produced one of the best anecdotes I’ve come across that balances the rising tide of defeatism. Given that is all too easy for orchestra leaders feeling beat down by the economic downturn to succumb to
A Bad Idea In Any Economic Environment