In the final part of my chat with Richard Rodzinski we talk about the grueling schedule and how it will benefit a pianist, plus our perspectives on the web-cast and its educational benefits. There’s also excerpts from 4 of the finalists final rehearsals and BIG ANNOUNCEMET (drum roll), starting tomorrow I will post part one of my sit down with Conductor James Conlon, it was a far reaching conversation….
Follow my tweets from the rehearsals!
Yesterday was the last full day of rehearsals and tonight the performances begin. My continuing chat with Richard focuses on the grueling schedule and how that helps a Pianist post Cliburn. I was able catch finalist Haochen Zhang (who is 19 today!) asking The USA chief Steinway technician Ron Coners about an issue with the keys. I then interviewed Ron who used to be the tech for Horowitz! More excerpts from rehearsals with James Conlon 1 on 1 including the practicalities of tempo and collaboration…listen below!
We had Drew here this week for the purpose of beginning the process to re-structure our organization to be ready for the future. Being that we are in a strong position and not in crisis makes this the perfect time for that process. In other words, rather than waiting for the fires to start, we are attempting to make ourselves fire proof! There were two retreats and many meetings. I am going to let Drew extrapolate on his visit here and instead focus on his chat with myself and one of our musicians about a program that I hope will be repeated everywhere!…..
Wow, last week was a busy week. Between the massive practicing I’m doing (recording projects in the future) and doing the parental thing I managed to catch three concerts, two of which I was directly involved with. They have caused me to muse out loud……
Is there still a school of thought that says just get them to the hall, you know the young ones and they will be hooked forever? Seems like the Boston Symphony marketing folks are doing their best to prove Einstein’s theory of insanity:
……..doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results…….
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.
It’s not often you hear of someone who shoulders the blame for an organization’s deficit by claiming it’s partly their management style that caused it! It makes me wonder though, if nearly half your staff left in the last 14 months, if advertising that is a way to attract solid personnel? Also is a renovated hall the key to help people accept innovative programming?…..
I’m about to enter my own personal hell and it has led to some reflection on repertoire and the rep choices that orchestras make.