Neo Classical – Holly Mulcahy on the future of classical music

The Three B’s: Bach, Bacon, and Biscuits

Sat, Oct 24, 2015

by:

Holly Mulcahy

Comfort food. Just saying the words Comfort Food conjures up images of simple joys, comforting flavors, memories of smells and tastes that may have traveled centuries within a family. In planning for the upcoming Chattanooga Symphony & Opera chamber concert which will feature the Bach Concerto for Oboe and Violin (November 8th at 3PM at the Read House), it occurred to me that this is a form of comfort food for the soul. Ideas about pairing this musical delicacy with an edible creation by Zeke Arter, owner of Maple Street Biscuit Company, … Continue Reading

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It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Sun, Oct 18, 2015

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Holly Mulcahy

One of the things that makes Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera special is the connections one feels. There are connections to music, community, nature, friendships, education, and businesses. Connections happen at breakfast On regular occasions CSO musicians make their way to Maple Street Biscuit Company to take in a breakfast before a day hike. One particular morning after saying hello to the owner, Zeke, we bumped into a board member and symphony supporter, Harriet Whittaker, who happened to be hosting a few musicians during opening week. [twocol_one][/twocol_one] [twocol_one_last][/twocol_one_last] While enjoying … Continue Reading

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Bowing for Mahlers; decisions on bowing directions

Fri, Sep 4, 2015

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Holly Mulcahy

One of the neatest things to watch while at an orchestra concert is the synchronized bows of the string section. It’s almost like a well-choreographed ballet in some cases. While this is something I take for granted anymore, most people don’t know how or why the bows end up going in the same direction. I get asked occasionally about this and I’m always surprised how many people are interested in learning about it, so I’ve decided to share what goes on behind the scenes to make the whole section bow in the … Continue Reading

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Pre-Concert Book Club Chat!

Wed, Aug 19, 2015

by:

Holly Mulcahy

What would happen if you gave a classical music appreciating audience a reading assignment? I was invited to give the pre-concert lectures for the first two weeks at the Grand Teton Music Festival and decided I would try something different: a “book club style” pre-concert chat. A week before we were to perform Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth), I gave a few reading and YouTube suggestions to audience members who were planning on coming to following week’s pre-concert talk. But, I also mentioned that just like … Continue Reading

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Classical Music Is Cancelled!

Wed, Jul 8, 2015

by:

Holly Mulcahy

“Well if that’s your story, then classical music is cancelled!” That what I would jokingly say every time someone would say, “Nobody knows or even cares there is an orchestra in our city. Nobody understands us or our worth.” It’s a common sentiment shared by many people in orchestras all over the country. Upon reading the April issue of Entrepreneur I found a very similar phrase in the editor’s note aimed at business professionals. Amy Cosper, Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur said in her note, “One of the most frequent comments I … Continue Reading

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