Chicago Lyric Opera

When Was The Last Time You Saw A Genuinely Impressive Video Promo?

Published on Thu, Jul 14, 16 at 2:00 am CDT by Drew McManus

Norman Lebrecht posted an item at Slippedisc.com yesterday poking fun at what he calls “the worst-ever orchestra promo video” and I have to agree, it’s entirely uninspiring. But Lebrecht’s post got me thinking about video promos in general and I found it difficult to think of anything that really caught my attention over the past few years. There is no shortage of promos with excellent production quality but they tend to …

Negotiation Update: Philly Enters Limited Play & Talk, Chicago Lyric Settles, And More

Published on Tue, Sep 22, 15 at 2:00 am CDT by Drew McManus

Following up on our 9/14/2015 list of orchestras with expired agreements, here’s an overview of what’s been going on. Philadelphia Orchestra The employer and musicians initially announced a limited play and talk agreement that will take them through Monday, 9/28/2015, which should come as no surprise that the date falls just after the orchestra is scheduled to perform for Pope Francis. Since then, both sides have agreed to continue the arrangement …

Things That Make You Go “Buh?” Overheard At The Opera

Published on Mon, Nov 10, 08 at 4:00 am CDT 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 patrons walked up next to me and engaged in one of the most remarkable conversations I’ve overheard in some time…