Here We Go Again – Journalist Writes Obituary for Classical Music

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If you read Mark Vanhoenaker in Slate Magazine, you learn all kinds of stuff, such as why movie theaters don’t have reserved seating, why the American way of using a knife and fork is inelegant, and why public toilet seats are U-shaped.  These are important topics for human beings to ponder. So, when he writes a Requiem claiming “Classical music in America is dead,” you know we have to pay attention.  I hope the thousands and thousands of professional musicians who are making a living at it will find out in time to … Continue Reading

Is it Journalism? Classical Radio and the Arts Community

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The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is launching a new integrated media site called CSO Sounds and Stories, and in the subtitle of their press release they’re calling it “the first brand journalism site by a major American orchestra” (italics mine).  It’s basically an online music magazine, rich in audio (including the radio shows) and with unique content — a great place to hear the Chicago Symphony online, especially for non-Chicagoans. A thoughtful article by Chris Jones in the Chicago Tribune online claims that they shouldn’t call it “journalism” because it’s really p.r. “To the best of our knowledge … Continue Reading

Gains and Losses

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VPR — Vermont Public Radio — announces increased classical service: VPR Classical is now broadcasting at 99.5 FM, reaching a population of 36,000, including the communities of Montpelier, East Montpelier, and parts of Barre. And farther north, Winnipeg has launched a new classical station: Golden West announced … the launch of Classic 107.1 FM… The station will be a “daily go-to source for information on the sizzling arts and culture scene in Winnipeg and will the place for local emerging musicians to gain visibility and experience,” Golden West’s release said. That’s the good news.  Listeners … Continue Reading

Wilmington DE Loses Its Classical Station

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Bummer, dude.  Wilmington is losing the 24-hour classical station it gained in 2011 when Davis Media bought the frequencies 95.9 FM and 1180 AM and renamed the combo Bach Radio.  Wilmingtonbiz.com reports that Not everyone was in favor of the move, however. 95.9 FM and 1180 AM were both home to Bach Radio, the only station in Wilmington that played classical music exclusively. The change means that Wilmington no longer offers a station that consistently plays classical music… This will be the third time in two years that both 95.9 FM and 1180 AM have … Continue Reading

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