It occurred to me recently that in many ways that when we talk about orchestras much of what we refer to is somewhat … abstract.
Odds & Ends
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.
ONE MORE TIME!!!
I’m about to enter my own personal hell and it has led to some reflection on repertoire and the rep choices that orchestras make.
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……
Caveat Emptor!!!
Conductors are like reverse ostriches. We are constantly popping our heads up out of the sand, looking around, and trying to determine what orchestras are coming available, who’s looking for a new Music Director. We want that next job, the next claim to fame, etc. Buried deep on the New York Times website I noticed a little ditty. It seems that an orchestra that I am familiar with is parting ways with their M.D. Perhaps I should…….
Go West Redux…
Here I am again on the West coast where for some reason my sleep disorders love to haunt me. This weekend I participate in a series called Inside The Score with the Oregon Philharmonic. You know the gig – pick a big piece of music, talk about it, play it, go drinking. It’s Brahms Symphony #1 on the docket. But something else has caught my ear and my eye this weekend. Portland is one of those towns where there’s a whole lot of other stuff going on.
Field Dressing the Arts
By this time I would expect anyone who doesn’t live in what is the Last Bastion of Civilized Man in America – AKA the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul – to be utterly tired of my relentless promotion of this area. Those who are indeed tired might want to skip over this post.