I am enjoying a back and forth with Geraldine regarding the role of the new Music Director from my November 11 New Conductor Smell post. I did not enjoy reading however of what is breaking with the Syracuse Symphony with whom I am working this week. I have many friends in the group, they are phenomenal and I so enjoy being here, it never feels like work. I guess I’m an insider but rather than dwell on the specifics of the situation, I want to riff on where I think in general we could make some inroads….this Sunday we perform in a Cathedral….
KILL THE NEA (Redux)!!!
A couple of months ago I wrote a post titled “Kill the NEA.” To my surprise that garnered a lot of attention, though in retrospect perhaps I shouldn’t be so naïve about the power of the internet (please rf. Tunisia). Now that some of the political establishment are hellbent on following my advice I’ve got a better idea. And I suspect that they aren’t going to like it at all.
Auld Lang Syne…
A few wishes for 2011…
Reinventilating – More ASS in clASSical!
It’s been an extended break from posting with 20 performances in the last month, now on Christmas Day looking back at articles from the last few weeks, I came across yet another bright spark who has hit upon what ails Classical Music….it needs a reinvention! Yawn….Here we go again…..
Captain, My Captain…
It is unfortunate that the average audience member frequently does not notice those people who act as “support” to the symphony orchestra of your choice. I’d like to pay homage today to someone who was the heart and soul of his organization.
A Tale Of Two Cities Redux
“Snowmageddon.” “Snownami.” Metrodome collapsing. For a Buffalo boy this is all rather unimpressive. But lost in all this was some interesting news out of St. Paul. Was it good news? Ya, you betcha!
Dissing the Dissonance…a shout out to Alex Ross!
Alex Ross wrote a great article regarding the challenge modern Classical Music faces in being accepted. It is in the middle of the article that he highlights a great point that cannot be overlooked in my view. I believe the hatred he talks about is more directed to those who present new music. As presenters we too like the composers must be creative because it is hardly fair to complain that audiences wont accept something new, when we present it as if it is a premiere happening in 1865!…..
Taxman
All I want for Christmas is The Beatles – complete. Since I have been waiting all these years for that to pop up on iTunes I get the feeling that if I’m really, really nice between now and 25 December the Fat Man might squeeze down my new chimney and provide me with the goods. Which, of course, got me thinking about the Detroit Symphony.