Comments on: Question For My Inside The Arts Family http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/2009/06/22/question-for-my-inside-the-arts-family/ Musings on Practical Solutions For Arts Management Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:37:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Drew McManus http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/2009/06/22/question-for-my-inside-the-arts-family/comment-page-1/#comment-852 Drew McManus Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:59:14 +0000 http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/?p=1169#comment-852 OK, here's my contribution - better late than never: http://www.adaptistration.com/?p=5533 OK, here’s my contribution – better late than never: http://www.adaptistration.com/?p=5533

]]> By: Liz http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/2009/06/22/question-for-my-inside-the-arts-family/comment-page-1/#comment-846 Liz Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:12:01 +0000 http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/?p=1169#comment-846 I think you've asked a good question: "Why do they primarily confine themselves to a certain genre and periods of music?" But your solution (or suggestion) to incorporate more popular music strikes me as odd, and I am inclined to agree with Hugh up there, that not only does each genre covering the other come off as cheesy (and even pathetic) but that, like the Austen example he gives, they were not written for each other in the first place. Orchestras, at least to me anymore, function primarily as museums of classical music hay-day. And there's certainly nothing wrong with that, though I do think it a shame that, unlike museums, you see very few orchestras concerned with displaying 'modern art,' if you will. Every culture, and every generation too, needs art that is pertinent; art that is applicable to modern life. While I find moments of rapture, agony, or any of the menagerie of emotions that make up human experience in the works of Beethoven and Brahms, it is important that modern pieces be able to do the same. It's really awesome when a composer writes a piece that bears the influence of Jimmy Page, but if it's just the Pittsburgh Symphony playing 'Kashmir,' I'll pass. I think you’ve asked a good question: “Why do they primarily confine themselves to a certain genre and periods of music?” But your solution (or suggestion) to incorporate more popular music strikes me as odd, and I am inclined to agree with Hugh up there, that not only does each genre covering the other come off as cheesy (and even pathetic) but that, like the Austen example he gives, they were not written for each other in the first place. Orchestras, at least to me anymore, function primarily as museums of classical music hay-day. And there’s certainly nothing wrong with that, though I do think it a shame that, unlike museums, you see very few orchestras concerned with displaying ‘modern art,’ if you will. Every culture, and every generation too, needs art that is pertinent; art that is applicable to modern life. While I find moments of rapture, agony, or any of the menagerie of emotions that make up human experience in the works of Beethoven and Brahms, it is important that modern pieces be able to do the same. It’s really awesome when a composer writes a piece that bears the influence of Jimmy Page, but if it’s just the Pittsburgh Symphony playing ‘Kashmir,’ I’ll pass.

]]> By: Dan Padilla http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/2009/06/22/question-for-my-inside-the-arts-family/comment-page-1/#comment-844 Dan Padilla Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:47:54 +0000 http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/?p=1169#comment-844 As an orchestra musician who dabbles in jazz and writes about the popular music scene in Honolulu, HI, I agree whole-heartedly with Joe. I believe that time has come for symphony orchestra’s to present the greatest music of “All Times.” Holding on to the tired notion that symphonies should stick with Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms is not a viable answer to the coming extinction of the symphony orchestra that is feared by many. I am particular proud of the experiments that our Honolulu Symphony has made along these lines. A recent “Pops” offering showcased Arturo Sandoval performing both a Hayden trumpet concert and a set of his better-known jazz hits. The show was a great success both artistically and in terms of ticket sales. The symphony also regularly performs the music of Hawaiian Pop stars in orchestra arrangements of their current hits. We are fortunate to have an incredible arranger – Matt Catingub – as our “Pops Conductor” who makes creates the orchestra arrangements himself. These are immensely popular and strengthen the ties between the “classical” and “popular” performing artists in our state. Unfortunately, these “experiments” haven’t produced big financial gains for the Honolulu Symphony. I think mostly because the product hasn’t been refined to a level of great artistry yet. I think the idea, however, is definitely one for our times and one that needs to be explored further. Dan Padilla Honolulu Music Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-7007-Honolulu-Music-Examiner As an orchestra musician who dabbles in jazz and writes about the popular music scene in Honolulu, HI, I agree whole-heartedly with Joe. I believe that time has come for symphony orchestra’s to present the greatest music of “All Times.” Holding on to the tired notion that symphonies should stick with Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms is not a viable answer to the coming extinction of the symphony orchestra that is feared by many.

I am particular proud of the experiments that our Honolulu Symphony has made along these lines. A recent “Pops” offering showcased Arturo Sandoval performing both a Hayden trumpet concert and a set of his better-known jazz hits. The show was a great success both artistically and in terms of ticket sales.

The symphony also regularly performs the music of Hawaiian Pop stars in orchestra arrangements of their current hits. We are fortunate to have an incredible arranger – Matt Catingub – as our “Pops Conductor” who makes creates the orchestra arrangements himself. These are immensely popular and strengthen the ties between the “classical” and “popular” performing artists in our state.

Unfortunately, these “experiments” haven’t produced big financial gains for the Honolulu Symphony. I think mostly because the product hasn’t been refined to a level of great artistry yet. I think the idea, however, is definitely one for our times and one that needs to be explored further.

Dan Padilla
Honolulu Music Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/x-7007-Honolulu-Music-Examiner

]]> By: Ron Spigelman http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/2009/06/22/question-for-my-inside-the-arts-family/comment-page-1/#comment-840 Ron Spigelman Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:11:58 +0000 http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/?p=1169#comment-840 Hmmm. Larry, I am not defining Classical and Pops just stating a fact which is: Orchestras generally have a Pops series and a Classical series, of course you know that from your time with orchestras. BTW I posted my response to Joe this morning: http://www.insidethearts.com/sticksanddrones/2009/07/01/ron-spigelman/1760/ Ron Hmmm.
Larry, I am not defining Classical and Pops just stating a fact which is:
Orchestras generally have a Pops series and a Classical series, of course you know that from your time with orchestras. BTW I posted my response to Joe this morning:
http://www.insidethearts.com/sticksanddrones/2009/07/01/ron-spigelman/1760/
Ron

]]> By: Larry Fried http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/2009/06/22/question-for-my-inside-the-arts-family/comment-page-1/#comment-832 Larry Fried Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:51:04 +0000 http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/?p=1169#comment-832 Maestro: Trying to define classical and pops reminds me of the Supreme Court definition of pornography: "I can't describe it but I know it when I see it." Maestro: Trying to define classical and pops reminds me of the Supreme Court definition of pornography: “I can’t describe it but I know it when I see it.”

]]> By: Ron Spigelman http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/2009/06/22/question-for-my-inside-the-arts-family/comment-page-1/#comment-823 Ron Spigelman Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:15:36 +0000 http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/?p=1169#comment-823 Larry I was referring to Pops "concerts" and Classical "concerts" as defined by the typical series differentiation used by most orchestras and how the repertoire can cross over if in a specific context, I will elaborate...next week.. Ron PS I would be more than happy to do away with the differentiation! It's such a long word.... Larry
I was referring to Pops “concerts” and Classical “concerts” as defined by the typical series differentiation used by most orchestras and how the repertoire can cross over if in a specific context, I will elaborate…next week..
Ron
PS I would be more than happy to do away with the differentiation! It’s such a long word….

]]> By: Shoshana http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/2009/06/22/question-for-my-inside-the-arts-family/comment-page-1/#comment-821 Shoshana Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:28:00 +0000 http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/?p=1169#comment-821 Actually, a few orchestras have attempted Bach to the Beatles programming. I think many of these concerts to alright, but not sure they are attracting the pops audience still. So, your assessment of my comment was correct. It is a challenge to get the Movie Music and Broadway attendees to go see a mostly classical concert. The only chance we have is using the popular classics on a pops concert and not the other way around. Maybe they will call it "cartoon music" and later learn that is really classical music in disguise. Actually, a few orchestras have attempted Bach to the Beatles programming. I think many of these concerts to alright, but not sure they are attracting the pops audience still. So, your assessment of my comment was correct. It is a challenge to get the Movie Music and Broadway attendees to go see a mostly classical concert.

The only chance we have is using the popular classics on a pops concert and not the other way around. Maybe they will call it “cartoon music” and later learn that is really classical music in disguise.

]]> By: Shoshana http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/2009/06/22/question-for-my-inside-the-arts-family/comment-page-1/#comment-820 Shoshana Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:21:35 +0000 http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/?p=1169#comment-820 Mike - I think the point of the conversation was to find a way that both the classical music audience and the pops audience could enjoy more than their own preferences using concerts such as the Beatles and Led Zepplin to create a sort of hybrid audience of the two. It's getting both audiences to branch out of their comfort zones to discover new and exciting ways to listen to symphonic music. <a href="#comment-799" rel="nofollow">@Mike</a> Mike – I think the point of the conversation was to find a way that both the classical music audience and the pops audience could enjoy more than their own preferences using concerts such as the Beatles and Led Zepplin to create a sort of hybrid audience of the two. It’s getting both audiences to branch out of their comfort zones to discover new and exciting ways to listen to symphonic music.

@Mike

]]> By: charlie http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/2009/06/22/question-for-my-inside-the-arts-family/comment-page-1/#comment-818 charlie Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:08:23 +0000 http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/?p=1169#comment-818 Is the point here to get a lager audience, more butts in the seat? Maybe it's not the music of the orchestra that's the issue, but the business mode. Orchestra by design are toys of the rich. Therefore they must appeal to that limited class of people. If an orchestra want to appeal to a mass audience, They must survive on tickets sales alone. And to do that, must change their image to the general public. Whatever you do, don't call this new group of yours that you want to play other music an orchestra. By the way, Are you tell me that the ending of Rossini's William tell overture is not rock and roll. That in no way that music doesn't make you want to move? Every since Opera was first perform in 1600, it seems to me, all western music has tried to express some human emotion using the same well-tempered scale that Bach used. Ok, so the rock bands have drums beating away, by the lead guitar by page or Hendrix, is that really all that different than what the great violist have done in the past? I really don't think it's the music, it's who you are trying to get to attend your concerts. Is the point here to get a lager audience, more butts in the seat?
Maybe it’s not the music of the orchestra that’s the issue, but the business mode.
Orchestra by design are toys of the rich. Therefore they must appeal to that limited
class of people. If an orchestra want to appeal to a mass audience, They must survive
on tickets sales alone. And to do that, must change their image to the general public.
Whatever you do, don’t call this new group of yours that you want to play other music an
orchestra. By the way, Are you tell me that the ending of Rossini’s William tell overture
is not rock and roll. That in no way that music doesn’t make you want to move?
Every since Opera was first perform in 1600, it seems to me, all western music has tried
to express some human emotion using the same well-tempered scale that Bach used. Ok,
so the rock bands have drums beating away, by the lead guitar by page or Hendrix, is that
really all that different than what the great violist have done in the past? I really don’t think it’s the music, it’s who you are trying to get to attend your concerts.

]]> By: “Hoops, there it is!” – a response to Joe | by Bill Eddins | Sticks and Drones http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/2009/06/22/question-for-my-inside-the-arts-family/comment-page-1/#comment-816 “Hoops, there it is!” – a response to Joe | by Bill Eddins | Sticks and Drones Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:51:15 +0000 http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/?p=1169#comment-816 [...] blog-brother Joe (Butts In The Seats) has posted a most interesting question in his last blog and it just screams out for a response.  Fortunately I can compress my response down to two words: [...] [...] blog-brother Joe (Butts In The Seats) has posted a most interesting question in his last blog and it just screams out for a response.  Fortunately I can compress my response down to two words: [...]

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