A New Discovery
by:
Holly Mulcahy
[box] One of the cool things about the cultural arts scene in Chattanooga is that both artists and audiences alike actively seek out new works. While there is a definite appreciation for the classics, there is a healthy appetite for something new, something dangerous, and something that pushes the core of the human soul to the edge and brings it back safely. Chatting with my stand partner Josh Holritz, Associate Concertmaster of The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, I couldn’t help but feel this kind enthusiasm and excitement for a newer piece for ... Continue Reading
What To Wear To The Symphony
by:
Holly Mulcahy
Nobody wants to feel out of place when they go to a symphony concert, yet so many patrons wonder if what they are wearing will be acceptable. As helpful and welcoming the orchestras try to be by inviting patrons to wear what they want and emphasizing to come in what is comfortable, many people still want to feel like they are fitting in. If you show up to a concert and sincerely don’t care what you wear, that’s just fine! You are doing what many orchestras invite you to do. But if ... Continue Reading
Hi, This Is My Emotional-Support Tarantula
by:
Holly Mulcahy
There are countless stories of musicians having trouble getting their instruments on airplanes. Even though the American Federation of Musicians’ has helped make it legal and easier for musicians to carry on their instruments, the stories continue. While I have a relatively small instrument that fits in the smallest of commuter jet’s overhead compartments, I still get hassled now and then. “You’re going to have to gate check that,” and “Whose violin is this?! I can’t fit my roller bag in the overhead!” have become my monthly norms as I travel for ... Continue Reading
Kids at the Symphony? A How To Guide!
by:
Holly Mulcahy
Last month, Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) stopped a concert to tell a parent to move herself and her child to a different location in the concert hall because he was afraid the child would disrupt the concert. This caused a fantastic debate about appropriate ages of concert goers, whether children should even be welcome, and if MTT had any ground to stand on with his action. Most orchestras have age limits listed on their websites, and some even offer reduced or free tickets for children. In my own experiences, it’s usually the ... Continue Reading
Worlds Collide, Businesses Thrive
by:
Holly Mulcahy
The month of October got off to an exciting start with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. First up was the sold out performance with Yo-Yo Ma. The excitement was palpable for everyone: audience, staff, board, orchestra, and even random people on the street who’d never thought of the symphony until seeing the marquee with Yo-Yo’s name on it. There is an awesome effect that happens to an orchestra and its audience when Yo-Yo Ma comes to play. Everyone plays at levels above and beyond what they felt possible as Yo-Yo invites everyone ... Continue Reading
