What continues to impress me about the Columbus Symphony musicians is their understanding of the situation, their hope and most of all their willingness to put a human face on what is at best an uncertain future. Again they are connecting to their city in a way that can be understood and appreciated by everyone…….
Gung Hei Fat Choy, Columbus…….
For those of you not up on your Mandarin that means “Happy New Year.” Today is the start of the Year of the Rat, and I figure that it’s as good a time as any to ask the question: “Whither Columbus?” (Remember – Chris was actually trying to find China on that voyage.) Teraquads of information have already been spilled on the conundrum that the Columbus Symphony faces. I don’t know if I’ll be able to give any insight but I shall give it my best shot.
Music Everywhere
It was just one weekend, but it proved to me that everything that we do has music at the heart of it, one way or another. Here are four highlights………
New from Heinz: Cupcakes that cost $50,000!
I was working with the Syracuse Symphony last week and was able to take a trip to Eastman to meet with Greg Sandow, who is teaching there once a week for seven weeks. Our talk went all over the map and we shared many ideas. He suggested I check out the Heinz Endowments and their grants for audience initiatives. It just so happens that the program was also in the news last week. The news is not good though, not good at all!….
Super Music Tuesday
It’s primary season. I realize that this column is not about politics but for those of us living in the USA this is important, and I have a personal story to tell about one of the candidates.
The Trumpets shall sound!
Well, it’s been an interesting week. To my surprise I found out that there are actually some people who read this blog, and I found out the hard way………
Junichi Hirokami and the CSO: Empowering the Audience!
It was not a stunt on January 19 when 22 musicians didn’t return to their seats until intermission was nearly over. It was a demonstration of what the orchestra might look like if the Columbus Symphony Orchestra board proposals for deep cuts are adopted. It was as if they were saying to the audience:
Is this the orchestra you want to see? You decide.
It was an extraordinary move, and now the audience is now going to be a part of the decision, as they should be!…………….
Plugging the Holes before Filling the Barrel – part 4 – “Lest We Forget!”
I want to mention a forgotten group of audience members, those who used to subscribe but are now physically unable to attend. Sadly when they stop subscribing, orchestras will eventually end the relationship. It’s not their fault they can’t attend anymore, and it’s time outreach included showing we still care about them by continuing the relationship……..