So you have become a Music Director, bravo! Time to work on that repertoire bucket list…well yes, but not yours!..
Aud. Develop
Context versus Urtext – Part 1 – It should be about not caring what we play!
The wringing of hands over programming might as well be the wringing of necks because it can literally put a stranglehold on the success of an organization. Warning pop culture reference and cliche dead ahead!
Nothing Ventured… Kicking the Habit, Part III
Those who have been long-term readers of this blog will know that I am a relentless critic of the classical music business and how it has evolved over the past 4 decades. I believe there is a lot of blame to go around for our ills and I don’t think anyone is immune from that blame. Situations like Indianapolis, Atlanta, SPCO, and Minnesota would not be possible if our field was healthy and respected throughout society. But it’s easy to throw darts at something without really committing to change. Now, it is time to put money where my mouth is – and I need your help to do it.
If it hurts everywhere….your finger is probably broken!
Yet another article on how to save Classical Music or at least in this case live concerts. On the list: Slow down Bach, clap between movements and after solos, the score is only a suggestion so improvise….I think more cowbell would be as good as a suggestion!…
Moneyball meets the Mellonball!
So a hot blow in Miami meets a cold blast in Denver as two completely different orchestras try out two models for attracting audiences. There are huge differences between the future plans for the New World Symphony and the Colorado Symphony, not the least of which is the fact that in Miami they are using someone else’s money and are not taking any risks, whereas in Colorado they are risking it all!….
A Little Help Here – part 3 – the inherit audience!
I’m now up in Lake Placid beginning my Summer stint having flown from Boston to Saranac Lake with the Stanley Cup behind my left ear! (pictures are below). I thought part 2 was it, but for those who crave the young audience, I think we need to stop dreaming of the challenge of the unknown, and stop the crazy marketing schemes that don’t work. We need to make it a matter of inheritance….
The New Age of Anxiety…
Milton Babbitt was right. He was just right for all the wrong reasons.
We Have Met The Enemy….
By now many readers will have read this excellent post by Bernard Holland, distinguished music critic and writer for the New York Times (assuming that the NYT, in their infinite wisdom, will not try to charge you for access). Mr. Holland, in his opus from ’03, has succinctly put forth a very elegant and reasoned argument for why orchestras in this country are going the way of the Dodo. Only one problem – he didn’t go far enough.