I had one of those shocking moments this morning where one realizes that the brain is a fascinating place to inhabit.
Random Acts of Art – Not a smackdown!
This week (and next) I am going to wrap up my Audience Connections Class by grading their papers right here plus showing my gratitude for some recent experiences. Traveling today to Syracuse for concerts though, I couldn’t resist adding to Bill’s Airport Post. I say yes, a phenomenal idea and I think we don’t have to limit it to just airports……
Where Angels fear to tread……..
Artists are always amongst the first ones that totalitarian regimes suppress. It is the individuality that makes dictators nervous, and the ability through art to expose fundamental truths. The question arises today about the value of cultural exchanges between (relative) democracies and dictatorships. Is it worth while? The New York Philharmonic is about to find out.
Oh give me a break………
Comes today the stunning news from the L.A. Times that this generation of classical musicians actually listens to other music!!!! Even more amazing, we actually enjoy it and (shudder!!!!!) PLAY IT! I’m SHOCKED!! SHOCKED!!
Music in Airports…..
Those of you who do not know the genius producer Brian Eno well………. where have you been? A short list of those he has worked with: Peter Gabriel, Devo, Laurie Anderson, Talking Heads, David Byrne, Roxy Music, Depeche Mode, U2……. you get the picture. He is also a regular answer in Will Shortz’s New York Times Crossword puzzles. But he came into my mind for another reason lately: strolling through an airport.
Challenge = Opportunity part 5: Better Orchestra = Less Rehearsing!..
Orchestras improve with more performances not more rehearsals! The act of being at your best happens at the point of contact with an audience. The challenge is:
How do we perform more with expenses rising and budgets stagnating?
Simple, if you have good musicians, TRUST THEM and don’t rehearse them to death! In fact by cutting rehearsals an orchestra can become better and fast!!…..
Hanukkah lights……
There’s something that I notice every morning these days when I’m having my early day tea. It’s a beautiful Menorah which sits on our dining room table. Every evening one more candle goes on as we celebrate the Festival of Lights. Of course the funny thing is that I’m not Jewish – I’m a Taoist. None-the-less, in celebration of these wonderful eight days here are eight things I love about Judaica……….
The Stars of the North
It’s hard to find an orchestra north of Edmonton. This is a city where around this time of year the sun seems to come up at 10 am, set by 2 pm, and never get over about 3 degrees off of the horizon. The nearest city is Calgary, some 4 hours away by car, and just try to a reasonable or convenient flight up there. But the Star of the North is the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the small but mighty ensemble that plays 100 concerts a year for the Edmonton community. Here’s some news……………..