Plenty of observers have penned fiery columns containing ideas for how orchestras could work to shake off stuffy stereotypes and drop their elitist sheen, but one UK orchestra executive says that such screeds miss the fact that most orchestras are already working overtime to accomplish these goals. “Modern orchestras play a huge part in reaching out to communities, music lovers and young people – with performances held everywhere from concert halls to hospitals, schools and bedsides.”
Tag: 08.30.07
San Antonio Talks Still Stalled
“Neither side gave ground this week when contract talks resumed between the San Antonio Symphony’s management and musicians.” The current contract expires this weekend, and musicians have already authorized their leaders to call a strike at any time after that. In the short term, it appears that talks will continue, but little progress is evident.
Charlotte Symphony In The Black (Sort Of)
The Charlotte Symphony will likely announce a balanced budget for the 2006-07 season soon, but the good news comes with a footnote. In order to cover its costs, the orchestra borrowed $700,000 from its endowment fund, with the intention of repaying the money once an ongoing $83m endowment drive is complete.
PhilOrch Endowment Drive Stuck In Neutral
18 months ago, the Philadelphia Orchestra’s ambitious $125m endowment drive was ahead of schedule, nearing the finish line, and renewing hope that the orchestra could find a sustainable long-term economic model. But less than $5m has been brought in since, and the campaign appears to have stalled a half-mile short of the finish line. Still, the health of the existing endowment has been improving steadily.
Birmingham Arts Groups Facing Funding Loss
Birmingham, Alabama-based arts groups could find themselves in a world of financial hurt if the Jefferson County Commission decides to stop funding its Community Arts Fund. The commission currently allocates $5m per year to the fund, but is considering zeroing out that contribution in an effort to balance the budget. “The Alabama Symphony would lose $502,000, the Birmingham Museum of Art $672,000, the McWane Science Center $536,000.”
The Dramas Of Bayreuth
“Facing derision, and other inflamed passions, is part of life at the festival. You either give yourself over to the fanaticism of the place or miss the point, Bayreuth virtually requiring complete sensory immersion. There is the music to hear and the staging to witness, of course, and also the sublime opera house to experience, with its unearthly acoustics, not to mention the bratwurst at intermission. But then there is also the Villa Wahnfried, the Wagner museum, with piped-in snippets of historic performances swelling in the library, rows of seats laid out there like pews for rapturous supplicants.”
Dance Notation Bureau Makes A Comeback
In 2005 the center laid off most of its workers. “Since those dark days at the end of 2005 the bureau has staged a remarkable renaissance. It has raised more than $1 million from foundations, government and private donors and has expanded its staff to nine. A $500,000 endowment has been established to safeguard its future.”