Issue: November 2011
Two years ago, Detroit Symphony delegate Dave Everson, on behalf of DSO musicians and Local 5, proposed Detroit as the location for the 2011 ICSOM Conference. The proposal was met with great enthusiasm by the 2009 ICSOM Conference delegates. As happy as they were to travel to the home of one of our esteemed orchestras, they were also glad that Dave’s invitation gave credibility to the recent … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
When the complete archive of Senza Sordino was posted on the ICSOM website, I spent hours reading through issue after issue. It is clear just from that source that no person had a greater influence over the gains of orchestral musicians during the past fifty years than Leonard Leibowitz. I found a 1974 entry from my own orchestra, long before I joined, which said, “We feel the sense of … [Read more...]
Issue: November 2011
Resolution 1: Frederick Zenone Conference Dedication WHEREAS, Frederick Zenone was known as a visionary and a transformative leader in the orchestra industry; and WHEREAS, As a cellist and representative from the National Symphony Orchestra, Fred served ICSOM for four years as Eastern area vice-chairman, followed by two years as ICSOM vice-chairman, and finally for six years as ICSOM’s fifth … [Read more...]
Issue: Counsel's Columns
During the “Delegate Duel” at the Detroit ICSOM Conference, delegates were challenged to address a number of hot topics in the legal arena. One of these topics involved the use of social media. In the future I hope to address other issues that may affect your day-to-day handling of grievances, negotiations, and enforcement of the collective bargaining agreement. Not surprisingly, the explosion … [Read more...]
Issue: November 2011
Issue: November 2011
When the San Francisco Symphony celebrates its centennial this year, it will be a season to remember. An ambitious eleven months of concerts, programs, and events, as well as expanded education programs and media initiatives, will invite the entire region to join in on the festivities. The season will also accentuate the vibrant role of the American orchestra in our communities, in part by … [Read more...]
Issue: November 2011
Today is Labor Day, and as a member of the Twin Cities Musicians’ Union and a member of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, it feels like a very good day to reflect on what that means. Last week I volunteered for our local at the AFL-CIO booth at the Minnesota State Fair. In spite of it being the hottest day of the week, it was a very enjoyable experience. There were representatives from a variety … [Read more...]
Issue: November 2011
The San Francisco Opera Company completed an immensely successful Ring Cycle in July—the first Ring Cycle in San Francisco since 1999. At a time when the relevance and significance of the art form are being seriously and repeatedly questioned, the measure of this production’s success is not confined to the numerous accolades garnered by the company and everyone associated with it, as this Ring … [Read more...]
Issue: November 2011
After the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s 75th anniversary season, the musicians returned from their summer break to learn that agreement had been reached for a new contract. The new contract, ratified on September 27, was for an unprecedented five years, ending in 2015–2016. Music Director JoAnn Falletta is currently signed through the same year, which will be her 17th with the BPO. The … [Read more...]
