| Jim, I was agreeing with you... which is why I said "so do the musicians". I think yourself and Patrick nailed it when you indicate that the problem could possibly be one of a disagreement on programming between the musicians and the audience and a lack of "accord" between the conductor and the musicians (for whatever reason). I am reminded of our local Symphony which recently "turfed" a conductor. He wasn't terribly "charismatic", did not live in town, commuted in for rehearsals, and didn't form a very good bond with the musicians. Performance quality, subscriptions and attendance dropped and the symphony started bleeding red ink.
Out with him and in with a new guy (after a one year "search and trial"). During this time they ran some interesting fund-raiser events including dinner-dance, show tunes etc. Some of the members refused to take part in these fund raisers saying "that isn't SERIOUS MUSIC". Well, poop on them! Move to Berlin and try your hand there if you want "SERIOUS MUSIC".
The new conductor is young, energetic and engaging. He moved to town, bringing his family with him. He's getting involved in the community, has great raport with the audience and things are turning around. Some of the music is "different" (their last concert featured some Beatles stuff which sounded fantastic and they looked like they were having fun playing it)! Which goes to show that it's more likely a "musician/conductor" thing and they just use "programming" as the "excuse".
A leader has to be accepted by his "troops" or he's not a leader. Culture can play a huge role in that relationship. |