Issue:
Issue: October 2018
The 56th annual ICSOM conference was held August 22–25 and hosted by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Local 1. The conference was held this year at the Cincinnati Hilton Netherland Plaza, a magnificent historic hotel in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. The conference included the usual variety of reports, presentations and discussions. The schedule also included more opportunities for … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2018
In celebration of the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, the Minnesota Orchestra recently performed in five cities throughout South Africa following a return performance at the BBC Proms in London. The orchestra had the distinct honor of being the first professional orchestra from the United States to visit South Africa. Following our historic—and for the orchestra, transformational—tour to Cuba … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
One of the responsibilities of my position that I feel most acutely is the need to be the public voice of ICSOM. I am afforded several opportunities to do so on a regular basis, including this column in each issue of Senza Sordino, and the opening address to our annual conference. While it feels gratifying to be an advocate for our orchestras and our art form, there are times when some … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2018
For many years, Paul Gunther has been the caretaker of Orchestra-L, ICSOM’s established and official listserv. As the owner and chief moderator of the list, Paul led the four-member team that approved new subscribers as well as the news items and follow-up comments that appeared there. In addition, Paul became accustomed to the quirks of working with the Yahoo group list, and there were … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2018
After ten long and painful years, the Musicians and Board of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) agreed to a progressive contract this summer that provides the first real economic gains for the musicians since 2008. Because central Ohio is a large and very prosperous part of our country, it has been difficult and frustrating waiting for this recovery to begin. Many CSO musicians have wondered … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2018
My International Initiation with the Baltimore Symphony It was big news when it was announced that the Baltimore Symphony (BSO) would be going on its first international tour in 13 years, one that would include stops at some of Europe’s most exciting classical music festivals. When I was asked to join the orchestra on this adventure, and as its newest member, I was positively thrilled. An … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2018
In the summer of 2016, I was looking for a non-profit organization that the Musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) could partner with on a regular basis. I sent out a number of emails to established local food pantries and one to a newer organization called 412 Food Rescue. At the time, I didn’t know much about what food rescue meant, but I had seen the logo of the organization … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2018
It is with great sadness that I report the sudden passing of Dale Newton, long-time ICSOM Delegate for the Grant Park Orchestra, on September 22nd. A member of Grant Park’s cello section since 1974, Dale truly loved classical music and the arts. Upon meeting him, he would be sure to tell you that playing in an orchestra was his destiny, as his father had been a violist in the Chicago Symphony, … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2018
Bill Foster Retirement Submitted by the ICSOM Governing Board and adopted by unanimous consent Whereas, Following a distinguished career since joining the viola section of the National Symphony Orchestra in 1968, Bill Foster announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2017-18 season; and Whereas, Bill Foster held numerous leadership positions in the National Symphony, including the … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2018
New Leadership in Fort Worth The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO) announced the appointment of Keith Cerny as President and CEO. Dr. Cerny will begin his tenure on January 11, 2019. He comes to the FWSO with an impressive educational background, having studied conducting at London’s Guildhall School of Music and holding graduate degrees from Harvard Business School and the U.K.’s Open … [Read more...]
