This week I will post daily from the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition where for the 4th time I am assisting James Conlon. After rehearsing the orchestra the last two days James takes over and I do the assistant thing which gives me time to do interviews, so this will be mostly Audio postings. Today the 1st part of my talk with ED Richard Rodzinski, a quick chat with Semi finalist Andrea Lam and the announcement of the finalists!……
Current Events
I’m Not Dead Yet!
There have been some ugly rumors floating around the internet about a couple orchestras. Perhaps it’s time to comment on them.
Taking a bow and then shooting across it!….
On our summer trip last year, I was amused when we drove across “Nameless Creek” Indiana because by calling it that, it actually gave it a name! Just as ironic was to read that the CEO and President of the Grand Rapids Symphony Peter Kjome had “no comment” when asked a pertinent question relating to their staff salary cuts and how it would impact the musician’s agreement, and then he promptly commented!……
ConnectiCUTS Deep and both ways! An Irreversable Immolation!
A famous incident took place in a performance of Tosca when Maria Callas drew blood from Tito Gobbi when the retractable knife didn’t cooperate (it was only a minor injury). In another performance (in the same scene) Callas getting too close to the candles set her hair on fire, only to be rescued by the Gobbi smothering the flames (she reportedly said thank you before stabbing him!). Well Connecticut Opera just stabbed their audience to death, and then burnt themselves to the ground!…..
Concert snapshot: The Minnesota Orchestra
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.
Let it Roll
I hate shopping at Menards. I’m supposed to “save big money” but I usually end up having a headache.
Santa Baby…….
It’s Christmas. As usual it’s a sad Christmas. This is becoming way too common lately……
Goldilocks Come Forth…….
Gee, I kinda feel like Goldilocks wandering into the home of the Three Bears during Christmas. Looking out over the music world I thought I would take the leisurely approach and blog about… well, something. My buddy Ron has been furiously posting when I thought for sure he would be exhausted from trying to defend Mahler V, so it’s up to me to through something out into the ether. A quick scan of the blog sheets reveals all sorts of suitable topics – and some not so much.