Neo Classical – Page 37 – Holly Mulcahy on the future of classical music

So You Want To Be Liked

Mon, Oct 4, 2010

by:

Holly Mulcahy

For arts organizations, the era of Facebook is here. Nearly every day I get invited to “Like” an organization such as symphony orchestra, chamber group or individual artist. If I decide to Like the group, I’ll get updates on concerts and events in my newsfeed. At first, it was kind of fun to see what groups were playing and doing. Following how different groups approached and used their representative Facebook tool was interesting at first but after the first year I started noticing distinct patterns; some of which produced a steady stream … Continue Reading

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Speaking The Unspeakable; A slip of the tongue helps maintain vigilance.

Mon, Aug 2, 2010

by:

Holly Mulcahy

The Teton Valley in Jackson Wyoming is my summer home. Playing in the Grand Teton Music Festival is something I look forward to each summer. Some of the finest orchestra musicians across the country collaborate in excellent concerts and exciting hiking. Musicians compare jobs, past seasons, and catch up on who is doing what and recent trends throughout the field.

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Orchestra Etiquette Part II

Mon, Jul 5, 2010

by:

Holly Mulcahy

In the etiquette books I featured last month, great detail and care was given on proper behavior to enhance one’s enjoyment of attending concerts and shows. Flowery texts used wit and sincerity to give the readers every chance to share a wonderful concert experience. But as the century turned, the general mood toward concert etiquette shifted from politeness so enjoyment wasn’t squashed, to politeness so one could come across as upper class. It was all to keep up appearances it seemed.

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Orchestra Etiquette Part I

Mon, Jun 7, 2010

by:

Holly Mulcahy

Whether you are the person sheepishly turning off the ringing cell phone during the quiet movement, or the annoyed and indignant person sitting next to the offender, there’s no denying there are certain rules and etiquette for orchestral concerts. While playing the Verdi Requiem last month, I heard a cell phone go off. The offender was seated pretty close to my position on the stage and I caught a glimpse of the incensed woman seated next to the tuneful cell phone’s owner. The woman’s very direct, and frankly, well practiced insistent look … Continue Reading

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Lambs to Slaughter; eroding the value of mentoring programs.

Mon, May 3, 2010

by:

Holly Mulcahy

With the financial crisis taking its toll, many performing arts groups are finding they can save money by filling professional orchestras with free labor. One of the increasingly popular methods is to offer mentoring opportunities for talented conservatory students. Unpaid college students receive an opportunity to play in a professional situation, gain some experience, and get mentored by the professional musicians. This is a very dangerous trend.

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