Editor’s note: The Sound Post generally avoids covering the recent downturn in arts funding as it does little to help the situation and simultaneously neglects the more important aspect of the industry—the art. But just as the headlines flow about organizations seeing red, there is a similar trickle of news about surfacing grants and endowments. So, this multi-part story will attempt to chronicle the down and up of the music industry; for now we lament the dwindling zeros, but look for updates on how everyone is not only keeping their heads above water, but climbing back into the boat.
As the cooling economy continues to do its number on the numbers of many North American arts organizations, orchestras and opera houses across the US are reevaluating their budgets in an effort to weather the dreary economic climate. View Full Article »
Posts Tagged ‘New Jersey’
Basically All North American Arts Organizations Losing Money: Part I
Barely Counts as News Anymore
Dudamel and LA Phil Come to East Coast
Bring West Coast Glam
Last Thursday and Friday, Gustavo Dudamel gave tri-staters the opportunity to see him conduct for the first time since his inauguration as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. At Avery Fisher Hall on Thursday, Dudamel and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet performed Leonard Bernstein’s Symphony No. 2 “The Age of Anxiety.” Times critic Anthony Tommasini called the performance “arresting” and said the work “if sometimes wild and brassy, was basically wonderful.” However, he was not as enamored with the LA rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique.”
Tommasini felt that technical faults in the performance hinted at under-preparation despite Dudamel’s emotive and carefully executed direction. While the lush, expressive lyricism lent itself to a poignant interpretation from the maestro, The NY Times thought the orchestra’s inability to deliver resulted in a performance that was “rough and unfocused.”
But on Friday, The Sound Post was able to see Dudamel continue his east coast performances with a similar program in Prudential Hall at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Dudamel and Thibaudet began the performance by repeating the same pristine execution of Bernstein’s 2nd Symphony “The Age of Anxiety” from the night before. View Full Article »
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Gets New Maestro
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra announced that Jacques Lacombe will succeed Neeme Järvi as music director. The 46 year old French Canadian is joining the organization during a period of frozen wages and a reduced concert schedule with the intent of revitalizing both orchestra and audience.
Lacombe says that in order to invigorate the classical scene a conductor must be inventive with his programming. While his preferences lean towards 19th century repertoire with 20th century classics, Lacombe remains fluid with his vision, saying that he doesn’t “want to be labeled,” and that he is still “discovering things.”
While the Ledger regards Lacombe as “untested,” he has many conducting credits including the Met. Where Jäarvi brought experience and renown, Lacombe will hopefully bring new energy and perspective.
Source: The Star Ledger