French conductor Michel Plasson has been named the music director of the China National Symphony Orchestra. The China National Symphony Orcherstra has been without a conductor since Muhai Tang (now conductor of the Zurich Chamber Orchestra) left the ensemble in 2001. So what’s the big deal?
This act marks the first time a Chinese orchestra has taken on a foreign music director. The CNSO is funded by the Chinese government. Plasson’s French background would make it impossible very difficult to gain approval for a salary, as directorship roles in government funded programs tend to be more than slightly political in origin (China is not the only country who is guilty of this). According to Musical America, Plasson’s paychecks will be taken care of by a private sponsor.
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Archive for the ‘General’ Category
Plasson Takes Post with CNSO
Cannot speak Chinese, commences solfege review
Utah Symphony Members Donate Own Pay
Polygon Shaped State Has Difficulty Cutting Corners
In response to the economic hardship facing the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera organization, Utah Symphony members have agreed to forgo four weeks’ salary, 50 percent of their matched pension payment, and the entirety of their contracted 5 percent annual raise. All together, members will see their income decrease by 19 percent—a donation totaling $1.3 million.
While this will inevitably cause some belts to tighten, members fear what might have happened without the agreement. The measure follows similar actions last year, which brought the budget down to $17 million from $19 million—apparently not enough to avoid trouble. CEO of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera Melia Tourangeau took a 10 percent pay cut, and several administrative positions were eliminated along with matched pension contributions.
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Video: Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Wieniawski on Accordion
Kid Tears it Up
The first video shows an impressive accordion transcription of “Summer,” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. While it may not require a critical review, I encourage you to enjoy this impressive and entertaining performance.
The other two videos are even more impressive, and have have been around the internet for about a year. They include the final movement of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (both solo and orchestra parts), and Wieniawski’s Scherzo and Tarantelle for violin and piano.
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Gilbert’s Trip to Cuba Squashed by State Gov
Somehow not surprised
I don’t even know what to say about this one. My understanding of the situation is still somewhat unclear. Apparently, Alan Gilbert, the New York Philharmonic, and “patrons” of the orchestra were scheduled to take a trip to Cuba next month. Notice that little detail at the end?
While the State Department was fine with the newly appointed Maestro and his ensemble making the trip, they were not too excited about 150 wealthy New Yorkers going on a vacation which ordinary U.S. Citizens are not allowed to make.
With the exception of the New York Times (which may or may not have helped propel Gilbert into the driver’s seat in a similar fashion to Sir Simon Rattle’s rise with the Berlin Philharmonic), Gilbert’s opening night performance was met with less than stellar reviews. While the Times praised the rhythmic integrity of his performance, most others called him unenthusiastic and “lacking in charisma”.
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San Diego Symphony Launches iPhone Application
refuses to show signs of age
As the San Diego Symphony approaches it’s centennial mark, it is not counting on newspaper ads and fliers on lampposts to promote the upcoming concert season. Following the example of the New York Philharmonic, they have launched their own iPhone application. The app, which is a gateway to InstantEncore.com (the same site used by the New York Philharmonic app), lets fans stream audio from pre-recorded concerts, access information regarding ticket purchases, get directions to venues, and even share this information with friends.
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YOLA Dudamel! LA Phil Opens Season at Hollywood Bowl
In his first public appearance as Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, the poster child of El Sistema, walked on stage at the Hollywood Bowl Saturday afternoon to a crowd of 18,000. Greeted by tremendous applause, he raised his baton and gave his first downbeat… to 200 children from southern Los Angeles.
Sporting a “YOLA” t-shirt, the Maestro conducted the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles’s undoubtedly most important concert yet. YOLA was founded two years ago, inspired by El Sistema—the highly successful Venezuelan music education system based on the Suzuki Method. YOLA has been much more than a prototype for the future of music education; it has already changed the lives of both orchestra members and their families.
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Not So Warm Welcome for Gatti
New York misses Levine
The beginning of Fall has different meanings for everyone. Some love the changing colors, the cooler temperatures, or as is the case with this writer, the exodus of summer tourism from New York City. All kidding aside, the beginning of the concert season for the country’s major orchestras and opera companies is always an interesting sight. Opening night reviews can truly make or break a career season. The introduction of Gustavo Dudamel with the Los Angeles Philharmonic was met with spectacular reviews, much as Alan Gilbert with the New York Philharmonic.
Unfortunately, not all welcomes are quite so warm… View Full Article »
The New WQXR: More Music, Less Variety
Puts Mahler in Bad Mood
As WQXR prepares to move from 96.3FM to 105.9FM this Thursday, October 8, at 8:00pm, its new parent company, WNYC, has announced some of the changes that will occur.
One benefit will be a reduction in commercials. The NYT article says “underwriting announcements” will only take up about 4 minutes per hour, compared to almost 12 minutes per hour of commercials currently.
In addition, many of WQXR’s broadcasts will remain. The station will continue to broadcast from the Met, the New York Phil, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The article does not mention the fate of Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin.
Read on for changes to expect.
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