Issue: April 2010
Most political attacks, especially those of a personal nature, are really just distractions. They are designed to keep people from examining the real issues that could affect their lives. This is true of national politics, and it is certainly true of politics within the American Federation of Musicians. Recently, ICSOM has been the subject of a number of attacks—and a lot of misinformation. While … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2010
Performing arts centers can transform cities, enhancing the lives of citizens and the business environment. During a recent visit to New York City, I visited the new David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, one of over 500 Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS) in New York City created under a program that offers incentives for buildings to provide publicly accessible spaces in the … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2010
T he University of Michigan hosted the American Orchestras Summit in Ann Arbor January 26–28. The summit sought to examine how orchestras impact cultural life in America and how orchestras and academia might partner more effectively in the future. Participants and attendees were mainly from southeastern Michigan. U-M professors, students, and University Musical Society staff represented the … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2010
“It is with both trepidation and pride that we introduce the first issue of SENZA SORDINO. It has been put together against the pressure of both time and limited funds, and no doubt bears the scars of its difficult (one is tempted to say ‘Caesarean’) birth.” And so began the January 1963, Volume 1, Number 1 issue of Senza Sordino. The editor of this publication, and the additional two issues from … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2010
The chairman of ICSOM, Bruce Ridge, recently visited the Colorado Symphony Orchestra for three days, March 9–11. On Tuesday, Bruce met with all the musician representatives of the orchestra during a luncheon at our union hall. Pete Vriesenga, the president of Local 20-623, provided lunch for Bruce and the 20 or so musicians present. There were musician representatives from the artistic, … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2010
The musicians of the San Antonio Symphony have developed a special program that both gives and gets back in spiritual rewards. During the month of December 2009 we celebrated our 21st season of presenting the gift of holiday music to the city of San Antonio through the Caroling Project . The project began in 1989 with principal string players visiting two hospitals. It has grown to include as many … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2010
The San Antonio Symphony announced that Sebastian Lang-Lessing will become their eighth music director, bringing a three-year search to an end. According to San Antonio delegate Stephanie Teply Westney, Lang-Lessing’s four-year contract will start later this year with an October 2 concert featuring Mahler’s Symphony No. 1. In all, he will direct 10 programs during the 2010–2011 subscription … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2010
On behalf of all the Honolulu Symphony Musicians, we would like to express our gratitude to all the ICSOM orchestras and individual musicians who have stepped forward with donations and good wishes for us. The overwhelming response to the Call to Action has been breathtaking and deeply meaningful: as of February 25, 2010, we have received a total of $104,977 from 39 ICSOM orchestras. While we knew … [Read more...]
