Issue: March 2020
Detroit Moves Fast The last two weeks of January were eventful ones for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. On January 22, the DSO announced that Italian conductor Jader Bignamini has been appointed Music Director, beginning with the 2020-2021 season. Bignamini was first introduced to the DSO in the spring of 2018, stepping in at the last minute for Leonard Slatkin in concert performances of … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
As it becomes increasingly clear that diversity in our orchestras must be a priority moving into the future, more opportunities to facilitate that goal are being created within our industry each year. The National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS) is an unprecedented national initiative created by the Sphinx Organization (which is the program leader and fiscal administrator of NAAS), the New … [Read more...]
Issue: June 2017
For many reasons, an orchestra needs to represent and support its community. Viewing the mission statement of our organizations provides proof of this. Most include a phrase such as: “We strive to inspire, enrich and serve our community.” A study of demographics shows that our country has become more diverse over the years, and will continue to do so, with the Census Bureau reporting that already … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
As I reflect upon a decade of travel as ICSOM Chairman, it occurs to me it might be possible that I have visited more backstage orchestra lounges than all but a handful of negotiators. Often the personality of the musicians of the orchestra is represented in these lounges, and the musicians’ history as well. I have seen old program books, posters, promotional buttons, and even materials from … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2015
For the first time ever at an ICSOM conference, delegates participated in a community outreach event. Coming together in Philadelphia, Tuesday August 25th on the eve of the official conference opening session, delegates from 12 member orchestras, members of the ICSOM Governing Board, and lCSOM Legal Counsel Susan Martin met at the Broad Street Ministry (BSM), a facility which provides meals and … [Read more...]
Issue: August 2014
As of late, ICSOM Chairperson Bruce Ridge has been on the road quite a bit representing ICSOM and visiting numerous ICSOM orchestras. Of course, that’s not unusual for Ridge. When one realizes that his own orchestra, the North Carolina Symphony, has one of the busiest travel schedules in the country, one further appreciates the (literal) distance he goes for ICSOM. Just some of his travel … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2013
Within the past few months, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra negotiated a new three-year contract, launched its music and wellness website, and completed its fortieth major tour. Pittsburgh delegate Penny Brill reports on the developments. In June the PSO ratified a new contract that calls for a 4% raise the first year, a freeze the second, and a 3% raise in the third. The increases were … [Read more...]
Issue: June 2013
At the beginning of April, musicians and management of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra reached agreement on a new two-year contract. The musicians’ negotiating committee supplied the details that follow. After unilaterally declaring an impasse in September 2012, management imposed a 20% reduction in base salaries and reduced the season from 37 to 33 weeks. The musicians filed a bad faith … [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: June 2011
D espite two stark facts—$140,000,000 in its endowment and no significant debts—the Philadelphia Orchestra Association (POA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 16, 2011. POA board chair Richard Worley claims that various “contractual entanglements threaten our existence.” What the POA seeks was listed in a declaration in support of first-day motions by Worley: “The debtors seek … [Read more...]
