I did an interview with a reporter from Minnesota Public Radio yesterday exploring the difficulties being faced by the Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. After a thorough dissection of the mistakes that led up to this current mess with both orchestras, and much of the classical music industry thereto, I have come to one undeniable conclusion – it’s Schoenberg’s fault.
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Dueling Band-Woes
Hot fun in the summertime seems like a lost cause in the Twin Cities. Instead, it looks like we will be treated to a summer of great discontent, followed by only the Gods know what. There’s only one guarantee – this is not going to be pretty.
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!…
Better Late Than Never…..
This is a post for all young conductors out there. Let me tell you about the day I was invited to conduct the Cleveland Orchestra….. and turned them down.
Quick Takes: The M Word!
Morale, is one of the most misused and abused catchall words used in our business. Often the charge “morale is low” is used as an accusation against a leader or leaders of an organization if things aren’t going well. Those who throw it out there might be justified but also might be just as responsible for low morale with a pervasively negative approach to dealing with problems and issues…
The Sinking of the Minnesota
Great orchestras are like great ships of the line. They cruise regally above the waves, guns/brass blaring, a mighty vision of sight and sound to all who bear witness. But it’s below decks where trouble starts, and no amount of noise on deck can stop a leaking hull.
The Death of the Learnéd Musician
I’ve noticed a very disturbing trend in musicians that must be rectified. It is a problem that might not be immediately noticed by the general public but, none-the-less, promises to cheapen our art to the point where live performances will become irrelevant. It can be summed up in three words – “Think for yourself.”
How to turn up the quiet…by Alecia Lawyer
With several incidents of conductors stopping performances for children (this article from Dayton) and cell phones (seemingly the only way to make the news these days), it begs the question especially in the case of children: is there something short of ostracizing them (and their parents) that can be done to allow quiet in a concert hall with children present? Most definitely yes, as guest blogger and Founder/ED of the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra Alecia Lawyer will explain…..