It’s good to see that some people are already getting into the holiday spirit!
When Scott Freck, the general manager of the North Carolina Symphony made the call to virtuoso pianist, Pascal Rogé, to inform him of their inability to honor his contract for a performance of the Poulenc Concerto for Two Pianos because of financial constraints, he was more than likely ready for a verbal beat-down, or at the least a serious case of embarrassment.
What he didn’t expect, was Rogé offering not only to play the concert for free, but also to bring his wife, Ami Rogé, to play alongside him.
View Full Article »
Posts Tagged ‘orchestra’
Pianist Pascal Roge Is Definition Of Classy
Class Act of the Day
Newsweek: Classical Music’s Version of Dodgers vs. Yankees: A Youthquake Hits Both Coasts
California Remains Attached
Before the Dodgers relinquished their chance at the Series, Newsweek featured an article capitalizing on the potential bi-coastal competition and profiled the two conductors who recently claimed their coasts: Alan Gilbert and Gustavo Dudamel. Author Seth Colter Walls asserts that the LA and NY Philharmonics are not in competition, but instead share the goal of bringing conductors’ names into American—even international—homes.
Citing that both conductors have already commissioned and premiered works by well known composers, Walls indicates the pair intend to, and are capable of renewing interest in new music and bringing young audiences to concert halls. Click to read the Newsweek article containing the words “buttress” and “contemporaneity.”
The New Yorker: Why So Serious?
Let's Put a Smile on that Face
While concertgoers today might resent those who unknowingly applaud or whisper between movements of a piece, it seems such gaffes have only recently begun to draw frowns. The familiar silent audience who applauds in appropriate places is of relatively new invention. Relative of course to the age of the music which makes up the classical repertoire. As it turns out, classical concerts used to be noisy, social gatherings where aristocrats could mingle and the public could turn bourgeois into a verb.
The September 8th issue of The New Yorker featured the article “Why So Serious?” In it, writer Alex Ross chronicles the history of classical concert tradition.
Ross cites examples from performances at the Paris Opera, and recitals by the pianist credited with creating modern piano performance tradition, Franz Liszt. Ross compares Liszt’s recitals to “The Ed Sullivan Show,” claiming that Liszt would solicit suggestions from the audience for subjects to improvise at the piano. Furthermore, Liszt is said to have modulated not only between tonal centers, but entire pieces. As Ross explains it:
View Full Article »
WQXR Makes Debut Broadcast on 105.9
With Message Recorded 72 Years Ago
Fans who tuned into WQXR at its new address, 105.9, at 8:00pm today were greeted by a message recorded over 70 years ago by WQXR co-founder Elliott M. Sanger. The recording expressed WQXR’s commitment to bring classical music to a widespread audience, and to maintain its listeners’ satisfaction. WQXR and its new parent company, WNYC, wished to reaffirm that mission, and have already made good on their promise by broadcasting the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra live from Carnegie Hall.
To recap briefly: WNYC, a member of National Public Radio, bought the rights to WQXR from the New York Times Company, and has transplanted the station to 105.9FM from 96.3FM. The new ownership brings new programming and a new website. The site (which seems to be down currently) has information about WQXR, as well as access to four different internet radio streams. 93.9 (NPR), their AM classical station, 105.9 (now WQXR), and Q2. Q2 is the new internet-only radio stream that will broadcast music geared toward a more niche oriented listener base. This includes contemporary music, and some chamber and vocal music. Read up on the details on our previous articles. Otherwise click ahead for info about tonight’s performance.
View Full Article »
Utah Symphony Members Donate Own Pay
Polygon Shaped State Has Difficulty Cutting Corners
In response to the economic hardship facing the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera organization, Utah Symphony members have agreed to forgo four weeks’ salary, 50 percent of their matched pension payment, and the entirety of their contracted 5 percent annual raise. All together, members will see their income decrease by 19 percent—a donation totaling $1.3 million.
While this will inevitably cause some belts to tighten, members fear what might have happened without the agreement. The measure follows similar actions last year, which brought the budget down to $17 million from $19 million—apparently not enough to avoid trouble. CEO of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera Melia Tourangeau took a 10 percent pay cut, and several administrative positions were eliminated along with matched pension contributions.
View Full Article »
Gilbert’s Trip to Cuba Squashed by State Gov
Somehow not surprised
I don’t even know what to say about this one. My understanding of the situation is still somewhat unclear. Apparently, Alan Gilbert, the New York Philharmonic, and “patrons” of the orchestra were scheduled to take a trip to Cuba next month. Notice that little detail at the end?
While the State Department was fine with the newly appointed Maestro and his ensemble making the trip, they were not too excited about 150 wealthy New Yorkers going on a vacation which ordinary U.S. Citizens are not allowed to make.
With the exception of the New York Times (which may or may not have helped propel Gilbert into the driver’s seat in a similar fashion to Sir Simon Rattle’s rise with the Berlin Philharmonic), Gilbert’s opening night performance was met with less than stellar reviews. While the Times praised the rhythmic integrity of his performance, most others called him unenthusiastic and “lacking in charisma”.
View Full Article »
San Diego Symphony Launches iPhone Application
refuses to show signs of age
As the San Diego Symphony approaches it’s centennial mark, it is not counting on newspaper ads and fliers on lampposts to promote the upcoming concert season. Following the example of the New York Philharmonic, they have launched their own iPhone application. The app, which is a gateway to InstantEncore.com (the same site used by the New York Philharmonic app), lets fans stream audio from pre-recorded concerts, access information regarding ticket purchases, get directions to venues, and even share this information with friends.
View Full Article »
Exclusive: Interview With Conductor Jeffery Meyer
Johannes Approves
Today’s interview is with Dr. Jeffery Meyer. He is the Director of Orchestras at Ithaca College, Artistic Director of the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic, and Artistic Director of the Water City Chamber Orchestra. Meyer will lead the opening performance of Ithaca College’s 09-10 season tomorrow night, Saturday October 3rd. One of the works on the program is Jeu de Timbres by Steven Stucky, who we interviewed yesterday (see his interview here).
Also scheduled is Ravel’s Ma Mère l’Oye (Mother Goose Suite), and Berlioz’s Symphony Fantastique, op. 14. The concert takes place tomorrow night, Saturday October 3rd, at 8:15pm in Ford Hall, Ithaca College.
Please click on through for the video interview and full written transcript.
View Full Article »
Exclusive: Interview With Steven Stucky
The Sound Post Welcomes Ian Salmon
Our very own Ian Salmon conducted an exclusive interview with composer Steven Stucky regarding the performance of his work, Jeu de Timbres. The piece will be performed by the Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra this Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 in Ford Hall at Ithaca College under the direction of Dr. Jeff Meyer. Click to the full article for the video and transcript of the interview.
This is the premier of our video blog series, and will be followed by another interview tomorrow, October 2nd, 2009, with Ithaca College Director of Orchestras Jeff Meyer. So stay tuned, and keep an eye on our new videos page.
View Full Article »