So you have become a Music Director, bravo! Time to work on that repertoire bucket list…well yes, but not yours!..
Aud.Connect
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.
Marvin Hamlisch – The day he gave me my just Desserts!
How lucky am I to have had the honor of working with Marvin. For 4 years I assisted him, accompanied him and produced a Holiday album when he was Principal Pops Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic and I was associate conductor. I have a story, a moment and a couple of classic one liners that I want to share as my tribute…
An Ode To Jeremy
The most interesting conversations about Classical Music never happen in the Board Room, or after a concert, or in any venue that one would connect with the art form. My friend Jeremy reminded me of that on Thanksgiving Day.
WWJD?
It was near the end of the first set, one of three scheduled for that night, when it happened. The band launched into their next chart and we heard the unmistakable strains of Stravinsky’s Firebird, several audience members around me shouted “YES!!!,” and my wife broke into a broad grin. I looked on stage at the laptop with the Apple logo and then I thought – “What Would Jobs Do?”
When Attitude Collides with Altitude – Interpretation
I have not written a post about actual conducting focusing mostly on the ever more uncertain future for the Orchestra business. For some time now I have been pondering the word interpretation which for conductors is everything, since it can bring both glory but also be gory if you miss the mark badly! I think though that accessibility, flexibility and the “environment” need to factored in along with a study…of who is actually in front of you!….Also below: a tribute to a legendary musician….
A Little Help Here – part 3 – the inherit audience!
I’m now up in Lake Placid beginning my Summer stint having flown from Boston to Saranac Lake with the Stanley Cup behind my left ear! (pictures are below). I thought part 2 was it, but for those who crave the young audience, I think we need to stop dreaming of the challenge of the unknown, and stop the crazy marketing schemes that don’t work. We need to make it a matter of inheritance….
Mirror Mirror
A funny thing happened on the way through SocialMediaLand. I ran smack dab into the difference between what professional musicians perceive and what “normal” people perceive. If this doesn’t prove a disconnect then I don’t know what does.