Arts Funding – Sticks and Drones

Actually only ONE thing needs to change about Classical Music Concerts

December 4, 2015December 24, 2014 by Ron Spigelman

Baldur Brönnimann made waves with his 10 things he would change about concerts post, but he didn’t bring up the most important thing! So in October Baldur’s blog post went viral and not that this discussion shouldn’t take place, or that several of his ideas aren’t valid, however his list is mostly about current tastes and aesthetics and not structural change. I will give my brief take on his 10 Things and then introduce my ONE thing that I believe really will make a difference. It has very little to do with … Continue Reading

Atlanta: Good or Bad – Financial health should not be a surprise – Inclusiveness is vital, so stage a Lock In!

September 18, 2014 by Ron Spigelman

It occurs to me that whenever an orchestra ratifies a new contract ahead of time , or Atlanta who wants to take a hatchet to it, there is still an underlying foundational problem in both cases.

What is the true deficit in the Met’s financial crisis?

August 1, 2014July 29, 2014 by Ron Spigelman

It occurs to me that when an organization bleeds money such is claimed at the Met, the focus is to stop the bleeding, not to fix the actual cause of the bleeding…

More Fence Sitting Needed!

May 19, 2013 by Ron Spigelman

I’ve taken up “fencing” working as an Administrator and Music Director, I see more clearly one problem that orchestras need to address, and NOW!…..

The Fiscal CLEF!

December 9, 2012 by Ron Spigelman

I was fully prepared to leave the Minnesota Orchestra posts to my partner in Blog Bill, and Drew at Adaptistration, but something I read really ticked me off!…..this is about attitude….

The Elephant in the Hall! – Prepared to be Deducted!

October 7, 2012October 6, 2012 by Ron Spigelman

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….

Nothing Ventured… Kicking the Habit, Part III

September 17, 2012 by Bill Eddins

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.

Moneyball meets the Mellonball!

February 6, 2012February 6, 2012 by Ron Spigelman

So a hot blow in Miami meets a cold blast in Denver as two completely different orchestras try out two models for attracting audiences. There are huge differences between the future plans for the New World Symphony and the Colorado Symphony, not the least of which is the fact that in Miami they are using someone else’s money and are not taking any risks, whereas in Colorado they are risking it all!….