Saying you have a dysfunctional family is about the most overused cliche there is (code for we don’t get along), however there is some truth to it when examining a vital part of our constituency and we have the power to change it……
Challenge=Opp
Nothing Ventured… Kicking the Habit, Part III
Those who have been long-term readers of this blog will know that I am a relentless critic of the classical music business and how it has evolved over the past 4 decades. I believe there is a lot of blame to go around for our ills and I don’t think anyone is immune from that blame. Situations like Indianapolis, Atlanta, SPCO, and Minnesota would not be possible if our field was healthy and respected throughout society. But it’s easy to throw darts at something without really committing to change. Now, it is time to put money where my mouth is – and I need your help to do it.
Gentlemen/Ladies…Stop Your Engines…The INDY minus 500!
The true deficit in an organization in trouble is the one in leadership. That is what ultimately turns a crack in the veneer into a fault line in the foundation. This is what is happening in Indianapolis, and it’s the first thing that needs to be addressed. Unfortunately the lack of leadership is working in favor for those who want to slash and burn. But there is something a little different about this situation and something that can most definitely be done….
Build a Bridge, NOT a Lighthouse!
It occurs to me that the state of the economy seems to shift only incrementally either way, yet orchestras continue to hope that innovation and drastic action will let the good times roll. We may be stuck with the current economic conditions for years to come, and unless we have a multi billion dollar angel of mercy, we have to deal and invest with REALITY and not throw money away on hope….
A Little Help Here!…Part 2
We’ve all heard of no pain…no gain! We all espouse and/or have been told that we need to exercise fiscal responsibility, but what about fiscal accountability? Why is it that in a good year orchestras tout their fiscal responsibility, when in fact sometimes it’s only a good year because some of next year’s advance ticket money is spent to make it a good year…isn’t that fiscally irresponsible, cheating or maybe even fraudulent?…..
A little help here!!!!!!
The full force of the reality of Orchestra bankruptcy arrived in a simple letter informing me that I was being let go as Principal Pops Conductor of the Syracuse Symphony. Then I realized nearly 100 people received this letter and the organization I had worked with for nearly a decade was about to cease to exist. The cost of a city losing an orchestra is immeasurable and losing the brilliant musicians who were excellent every day and are now out of work, is simply unacceptable. I have a simple request…..
We Have Met The Enemy….
By now many readers will have read this excellent post by Bernard Holland, distinguished music critic and writer for the New York Times (assuming that the NYT, in their infinite wisdom, will not try to charge you for access). Mr. Holland, in his opus from ’03, has succinctly put forth a very elegant and reasoned argument for why orchestras in this country are going the way of the Dodo. Only one problem – he didn’t go far enough.
Binds that Untie and maybe Unite – Detroit is onto something!
My favorite ever library typo was when Purcell’s Gordion Knot Untied was listed as Gordion Knot UNITED. How easy is it to make that mistake? Seriously though it might be that easy to conceptualize that by agreeing to something that is binding might indeed unbind an acrimonious situation. What the DSO musicians are proposing proves once again that artists by nature are creative and are also the greatest of problem solvers, and whatever happens kudos should be given for creativity, bravery and at least a plan!