A Secretary of the Arts? I have been reading about this idea and I think we are way ahead of ourselves, crossing the finish line before running the race! Building from the top down doesn’t work. The Arts have plenty of cheerleaders and advocates, we do not need an advocate in chief. That might be a feel good idea, but if the arts are truly to become a part of our nation’s narrative, we have to think much bigger….
Current Events
Concert snapshot: The Minnesota Orchestra
I rarely attend orchestra concerts. Usually I’m the one conducting, and if I’m not then it’s probably my turn to look after the kids. Today was a rare exception.
Today in Calaveras county, the Frogs have stopped jumping….
It was with a great deal of sadness to learn of the passing of Lukas Foss, an icon of 20th century American music. Whilst as a student in London in the late 80’s I attended the European premiere (it may have been the world premiere) of his Renaissance Concerto with James Galway and the London Symphony, and in 2003 I actually got to work with him….
Paying for Arts in the Land of the Free…
I was sad to read that the Milwaukee Symphony are canceling 4 out of their 5 free concerts. It’s probable that many more orchestras might be forced to cancel free concerts as budget choices are made. In Springfield we usually do 2 free concerts each summer. They are not for certain since they’re connected with city festivals that are at this point are on hold. The NEA might be getting $50 million extra this year, so I’ve got a suggestion…..
Dear President Obama…..
Congratulations….to us! So many have tried to define you, to put you in a box so that they may find it easy to corner you, and yet you surprise all of us at every turn….
Let it Roll
I hate shopping at Menards. I’m supposed to “save big money” but I usually end up having a headache.
Santa Baby…….
It’s Christmas. As usual it’s a sad Christmas. This is becoming way too common lately……
Goldilocks Come Forth…….
Gee, I kinda feel like Goldilocks wandering into the home of the Three Bears during Christmas. Looking out over the music world I thought I would take the leisurely approach and blog about… well, something. My buddy Ron has been furiously posting when I thought for sure he would be exhausted from trying to defend Mahler V, so it’s up to me to through something out into the ether. A quick scan of the blog sheets reveals all sorts of suitable topics – and some not so much.