Friday, February 03, 2006
It is time...
Interesting article at the Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/filmandmusic/story/0,,1700397,00.html
I do not subscribe to the notion that “modern” music scares away audience members. I will not believe this until I see hard, statistical material as support. I believe it is a “rumor” that is perpetuated by some journalists, seeking a juicy story, and orchestra management, who find little fault in their own actions so in turn blame something else. If I am an average orchestra attendee, and I begin to see articles and hear talk that “modern music is dreadful, and I should be turned off by it,” I think I will start to believe it.
It is time to tell the truth about contemporary music.
It is time to give audience members an opportunity to judge for themselves.
It is time for an orchestra with guts and cajones to step up to the plate and prove or disprove this self-perpetuating rumor once and for all.
If the “weeds” are choking an orchestra’s growth (i.e. audience/board members who wield enormous financial power, but little artistic knowledge), it is time to shed them. Perhaps the total collapse of an ensemble is appropriate to start afresh with new ideas and people.
If I am sermonizing, apologies. I do not apologize for my stance.
posted by Daniel Gilliam
10:54 AM
|
