As my blog-buddy Drew McManus has mentioned we are going to start an in-depth series on the red line contract proposal from the Minnesota Orchestra. There will be much jaw dropping and gnashing of teeth – contradictory actions I’d like to point out – but hopefully it will be enlightening for all and sundry. I realized, however, that mayhaps I should take a different approach. Namely, how about a translation of what it all means to the layperson, Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Josephine Average? Let’s start there. This blog is aimed at those of you out there who are NOT musicians. Read on.
Long Live the Queen’s Orchestra!
I’m sorry if I come off as a pessimist. That’s actually not true. I consider myself more of a realist when looking at today’s world of classical music. But I am living at Ground Zero in the orchestra debacle and it is hard to look past the ditch currently being dug in Minnesota. However, something caugh my eye recently, and I’d like to compare the situation here with the situation there – in the Queen City, my home.
The Elephant in the Hall! – Prepared to be Deducted!
The disarray that is the orchestra world may pale into comparison to what potentially may happen to nearly all arts organizations if we don’t prepare for what the evidence suggests is coming. The arts could be gutted as a result of this election, and it’s bigger than eliminating the NEA, much bigger….
Silent Fall
I hate to say I told you so, but………. I told you so. Now what?
The Boy(s and Girls) In The Bubble
It was a surreal moment – I was backstage at The Music Hall in Cincinnati for Josh Bell to come out of his dressing room so that we could go onstage and perform. We were opening the season for the Cincinnati Symphony and people were milling around, preparing for the next piece, multiple conversations happening. Suddenly someone said the words that made heads snap around and jaws hit the floor – “Chicago has just gone on strike.”
Quick Takes: Irreplaceable? Turn up the Music and Turn off the Noise!
There is a free fall happening that is hard to get our collective heads around, and the infighting going on in orchestras is shutting out the most valuable and viable of voices, the audience. Whether it’s a lockout (Indy), a force in (Jacksonville), a bankruptcy or a strike, the “why can’t we all just get along” cliche is actually appropriate for a very specific reason….
Nothing Ventured… Kicking the Habit, Part III
Those who have been long-term readers of this blog will know that I am a relentless critic of the classical music business and how it has evolved over the past 4 decades. I believe there is a lot of blame to go around for our ills and I don’t think anyone is immune from that blame. Situations like Indianapolis, Atlanta, SPCO, and Minnesota would not be possible if our field was healthy and respected throughout society. But it’s easy to throw darts at something without really committing to change. Now, it is time to put money where my mouth is – and I need your help to do it.
We Lost – Kicking the Dependency, Part 2
In case no one has been paying attention the last couple of years I’m here to give you the final score: we lost.