Category: music

“The first commercial Moog synthesizers could play only one note at a time, not always in tune. Early synthesizer users had no preset sounds to fall back on: they plugged in patch cords, turned knobs and experimented.”

“Symphony Orchestra Musicians Association state president Lachlan Bramble said the bonus made no progress on its objective of reaching 90 per cent of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s pay rates within three years.”

Says the chairwoman of the Israel Chamber Orchestra, which will play Wagner’s music in Bayreuth next summer, “I think that the atmosphere has changed and that those people who were at the concentration camps are either weaker or no longer with us, and those who voiced their opinion are only a few and it is hard for them to (be heard now).”

Superstar bass René Pape, who was scheduled to sing Wotan in the new production of Wagner’s Die Walküre that opens La Scala’s season next month, has withdrawn from the production. His stated reason: “to take a break from rehearsals and performances.”

“Martin Stoner, who lost his job with the New York City Ballet’s orchestra last year after 25 years, thinks the best way to jumpstart a solo career is with a little help from a nonprofit that specializes in launching the careers of young classical musicians” – the Young Concert Artists organization.

“The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra has offered each of its permanent musicians a $2000, one-off bonus payment on top of a proposed three per cent indexed pay rise. ASO chairman Tim O’Loughlin said results for the first nine months of the year had enabled it to lift its projected 2010 profit from $350,000 to $510,000.”

“Don Foster, the Liberal Democrat arts spokesman and MP, criticised the fact that [Royal Opera House chief] Tony Hall was paid three times that of the Prime Minister. He said: “People will be shocked at the salaries of these two people.”

“While both small orchestras may seek vast new worlds, they come from opposite cultures. Kremerata are knights of the transcendental. The Knights’ holy grail is grittier.”

“Labor disputes are regarded as the third rail for music directors, turning otherwise strong-willed conductors into wallflowers. Hired by the board but unable to function effectively without the goodwill of the players, music directors generally seek sanctuary behind a shield of neutrality.”

“The sides have not met since Aug. 27, no bargaining sessions are scheduled, concerts are canceled through Nov. 7 and feelings remain raw.”