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

What Would Donald Draper Do?

Mon, Nov 2, 2009

by:

Holly Mulcahy

One of the most popular shows on cable television lately is Mad Men, on the AMC channel. Now on its third season, the show has captivated imaginations, history buffs, and is even starting to have an effect on current fashion. But what has me most interested in the show is the style in which the 1960’s Madison Avenue advertising agency works with various challenging clients. From Hilton Hotels to Marlboro, and Playtex to Kodak; each client needing something special and different. Of course, I couldn’t help but fantasize what the star of … Continue Reading

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Talent Is Overrated

Mon, Oct 5, 2009

by:

Holly Mulcahy

The past few weeks have provided ample time for listening to audio books during longer commutes to rehearsals and concerts. For these extended times in car, books about business, stocks, investing, etc. are regular favorites so I can learn about various styles of investing and hopefully understand and streamline my own investing skills. The time feels like a guiltless way to spend hours learning that wouldn’t normally be devoted to these activities if I were home since practicing wins out more often than not.

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Sorry, We’re Fresh Out of Mahler

Mon, Sep 7, 2009

by:

Holly Mulcahy

It’s the beginning of another orchestra season and that means it’s time to scout out the season brochures and websites of the groups I’ll be playing in to see what’s in store. It’s hard not to notice that I look through season brochures as I would a restaurant menu. I narrow down the “main courses” that look most interesting or challenging to me and start planning my practicing accordingly. Most of my concert-going friends analyze a season brochure like a menu as well and as I have Facebook discussions with them about … Continue Reading

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Fishing With The Right Bait; Should patrons be allowed a say in programming?

Mon, Aug 3, 2009

by:

Holly Mulcahy

Last month I participated in a cross blog discussion about whether orchestras should vary their genres beyond standard orchestral repertoire. There was much discussion and interesting comments both here and at the other blogs but I was left wondering what would happen if orchestras would seek some programming views from the people that buy the tickets beyond the traditional “patron’s choice” style programs. A year ago, Chicago Opera Theater offered the audience a unique opportunity to pick which opera they wanted to hear. For just a buck, people could vote with their … Continue Reading

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Should Orchestras Confine Themselves To A Certain Genre?

Fri, Jul 3, 2009

by:

Holly Mulcahy

A few weeks back, there was a question posed on Inside The Arts by Joe Patti, the author of Butts In The Seats. Joe asked “Should orchestras confine their programming to just a few genres?” Responses from Inside The Arts bloggers and readers generated more interesting questions than answers, all of which got me thinking. On one hand, some orchestras are limiting themselves by relegating the majority of programming to standard repertoire from 100-200 years ago. But isn’t that what people expect? When they buy a ticket to go see the symphony, … Continue Reading

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