Senza Sordino

The lack of racial diversity in the orchestra field has been thoroughly studied and written about for over forty years. Fellowship programs have become the most common approach to increasing onstage diversity. While there have been some success stories—specifically through diversity fellowship programs at various orchestras—we are not yet close to having our orchestras resemble their respective … [Read more...]

I generally shy away from using my own orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, as an example for our industry. The average yearly income for most ICSOM orchestras is 40% earned and 60% donated. The LAPhil is just the opposite, about 60% earned and 40% donated, mostly due to income from the Hollywood Bowl summer season. But I will say this. Last month our CEO, Chad Smith, came onstage to … [Read more...]

Editor’s Note: This article uses the traditional spelling of Hawaiʻi, including the okina character, which Senza Sordino normally omits On January 17, 2023, the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra officially announced that Chinese-Australian conductor Dane Lam would be appointed as Music Director Designate. While the appointment of a new Music Director is exciting for any orchestra to share, it is … [Read more...]

“To my colleagues I give the last word. It is my hope that their legacy of commitment will inspire us all. I hope, also, that these reflections will remind us of the continuing pertinence of their story and the necessity for ongoing vigilance.” These words, penned by author and professional violinist Julie Ayer, appeared in her 2005 book, More Than Meets the Ear: How Symphony Musicians Made … [Read more...]

You could very easily imagine my surprise at the colorful images that appeared in the December 2022 issue of Senza Sordino. My initial thought was that I had mistakenly asked our printer, Colonial Quality Printing, for something that was going to cost a lot more money. However, upon reaching out to John McAdams, he responded that CQP would be switching to color printing in general, and that he … [Read more...]