The Aspen Music Festival and School has named Robert Spano its next Music Director, stating that he will assume duties as “music director-designate” effective immediately and take on the full role of music director in 2012.
In addition, Spano will become co-director of the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen, taking on the director position as of 2012. In 63 years of Aspen Music Festival and School, Spano will be only its fourth long term director. View Full Article »
Archive for the ‘General’ Category
Robert Spano Named Music Director of Aspen
University of Michigan to Stream Performance of Mahler 6
Conductor Kenneth Kiesler will lead the combined University of Michigan Symphony and Philharmonia Orchestras in a live broadcast of Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 at 8:00pm EST on Tuesday, March 29th.
The program will be broadcast at www.classicalmusicbroadcast.com with both audio and video. Online producer and director Kelly Rinne said “Our goal is to bring the masterful musicality of such exciting performances to a global audience.” Through this effort, the University of Michigan joins other major organizations in opening the door to larger audiences via the Internet. View Full Article »
Levine to Resign from Boston Symphony
Editor’s note: While it is already old news, I still wanted to acknowledge Maestro Levine’s resignation from the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
On March 2nd, James Levine announce that he will step down from his position as Music Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The decision comes after chronic health issues prevented him from consistently leading the ensemble.
Levine will remain at the Metropolitan Opera, stating that his familiarity with the organization and the dynamic he has created there allow him to maintain his post despite health problems. Not only does he live in New York, but after 40 years with the Met, Levine has created a well oiled machine in which he is but the final cog. Comparatively, the burden of symphonic directorship in a new city requires more than he can commit to consistently provide.
Read the full article at the New York Times
Detroit Symphony on Strike
Already $3.9 million in debt, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is looking to cut musicians’ pay by 33 percent in order to prevent the deficit from reaching $6.5 million. Currently, the ensemble’s starting salary is $105,000 with nine weeks paid vacation. The organization is looking to modify its three year contracts to include a base pay of $70,000 with three weeks vacation, and to reduce pension and benefits. The musicians have stated they will accept a cut of 22 percent, but for now have opted to demonstrate their frustration through a strike. The administration claims that they are willing to meet the musicians at the 22 percent mark, and are hoping to end this strike in time for Friday’s concert. This one even made it to CNN.
BBC Proms Anticipates Record Breaking Attendance
Records Both Broken and Sold
A record number of performances sold out at the BBC Proms this year, launching the average attendance per event at Albert Hall to 4,000 concertgoers. 40 of the 76 concerts have experienced a packed house, which The Telegraph suspects might be related to the daily allotment of 1,000 tickets for £5 (~$7.50) each. View Full Article »
Montreal, Nashville Symphony Orchestras Receive Mega-Donations
Orchestra Woes Part IV: Recovery
As the orchestras around the world continue to tighten their belts, it seems a financial renaissance is taking place among classical institutions. Operations are being streamlined to accommodate smaller budgets, and coffers are being refilled to allay the looming threat of Chapter 11. Read on for a few instances of philanthropy! View Full Article »
BBC Podcast: US Orchestras Surviving Recession
Part III: Anthology of Orchestra Economics
Amidst the nebulous financial situation plaguing many US orchestras, BBC’s Matt Wells visited the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood to consult both players and administration alike.
View Full Article »
Breaking: Orchestra Finance Woes Part II, Syracuse Symphony
The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra cut its upcoming season from 40 to 34 weeks today in an effort to endure dwindling funds. Meanwhile, the orchestra needs to raise $500,000 to cover the deficit in its $7.4 million budget, says The Watertown Daily Times. Faced with possibility of shutting down for the summer, the SSO managed to keep its doors open with help from an anonymous benefactor. View Full Article »