“The orchestra – best known for the soundtrack to Disney’s Fantasia – has lost $2m (£1.4m) in public funding. Though it has an interim music director in Charles Dutoit, it has no permanent holder of that post, nor a chair of trustees, nor an executive director. It has just announced staff and pay cuts, and cancelled a tour to Europe this summer. Music lovers in the US could start to think the unthinkable: that one of their “big five” orchestras may not survive the economic crisis.”
Category: music
Atlanta Symphony Announces Cuts But Avoids Layoffs
The measures announced today, which will save more than $750,000, include 5% pay reductions for administrative staff (more for top officers) for the remainder of the season, unpaid furloughs beginning this summer, unspecified givebacks from music director Robert Spano and the conducting staff, and the continuation of a hiring freeze.
One Down, Two To Go At Philadelphia Orchestra
“After a queasy freefall, the leadership of the Philadelphia Orchestra is regaining its footing. Richard B. Worley, a wealthy and, by many accounts, knowledgeable orchestra lover who has served in several board capacities, was elected chairman of the Orchestra Association Thursday.” Ongoing are searches for a president and a permanent music director.
Launch Of Canada’s New National Broadcast Orchestra Delayed
When the CBC Radio Orchestra disbanded last November, conductor Alain Trudel announced a project to revive the group as an independent ensemble called the National Broadcast Orchestra. An executive director has been engaged, but, thanks to the sour economy, the NBO’s debut benefit concert this spring and the announcement of a season for next fall have been postponed.
Another New Hall For Paris: The Philharmonie de Radio France
The renovation of the famous “maison ronde” of Radio France will include a new €32 million, 1,400-seat concert hall (overseen by Nagata Acoustics, known for Disney Hall in L.A.) and a renovated Studio 104 with capacity reduced from 900 to fewer than 500 seats. The Auditorium is scheduled to open in fall 2013 – at the same time as the new 2,400-seat Philharmonie de Paris.
Could The Iconic New York Music Store Be Closing?
“It’s clear that Patelson’s — across 56th Street from Carnegie Hall’s backstage entrance and for decades the source of music for the likes of Isaac Stern and Beverly Sills, as well as Paul McCartney and Frank Sinatra — is struggling.”
Report: Riccardo Muti Asked To Lead Rome Opera
“Riccardo Muti, music director designate of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, has been invited to become music director of the Rome Opera and is reported to have asked for time to mull over the offer, according to the blog Opera Chic.”
Baltimore Symphony Goes To The Circus
“The orchestra’s 2009-10 season… will culminate in a four-week circus festival involving actual circus performers such as the Cirque de la Symphonie.” The repertoire for “BSO Under the Big Top” next March includes Corigliano’s Third Symphony (subtitled “Circus Maximus”), “an evening of concert operas by Barber and Gershwin and Stravinsky’s ballet Pulcinella.”
Subscription Tickets In Baltimore Still $25
“The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will keep its $25 tickets for the third year in a row in spite of financial pressures that have strained the organization in a sour economy. In addition, one-quarter of its premium orchestra level and box seats will sell for $50 next season.”
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Famed Detroit Jazz Club, On The Brink
“Owner John Colbert said on Tuesday that without a significant uptick in business, he has only enough money and wherewithal to keep the club afloat for about two months. His major goal is to keep the doors open through the club’s 75th anniversary in early May.”