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Posts tagged ‘orchestra’

The Art of Administering

Apart from his artistic success as a brilliant composer and conductor, Gustav Mahler was a well known and effective arts administrator in his day. His tenure as the director of the Vienna Hofoper was tumultuous but largely seen as a success after he settled various labor disputes and brought the organization out of long-term debt.

Gustav Mahler, artist and administrator

Marc Giosi is both an artist and an arts administrator. This talented and well-educated pianist holds the position of Executive Director for the chamber ensemble Chatham Baroque, and formerly worked with Chamber Music America. Consequently, he has seen both “sides” of the equation when it comes to presenting an art form. He understands the management dynamics of development, audience growth, and good financial management. At the same time, he recognizes the challenges to being a working artist and presenting great art. Ultimately the two aspects of his nature combine organically, and so he writes, “The ability to speak genuinely about Bach, Chopin, or Shostakovich reflects commitment to the art form, and the fact that presenting concerts is not simply a day job for me.”

For a fascinating look into the world of art and arts management, read Marc Giosi’s “The Art of Administering” (click here to read full article).

Seeking the Love of Music That I Once Felt

depressed-artist1Erin Yanacek fell deeply in love with music at the age of 12, and that love evolved into the yearning to make a career of it. Now in her twenties, with many accomplishments and success in conservatory training already achieved, she finds herself painfully separated from that initial love.

What happens when an artist, initially motivated by love, faces the prospect of alienation from their art because of the demands of the profession? When an artist is so immersed in their training that the demands of technique eclipse the joy of art making? The problem is not new, but it is a particularly challenging one for young classical musicians, who have demanding practice schedules and daunting prospects regarding available positions.

Yanacek is at such a point and writes, “I play the trumpet for a living and long to be furiously in love with this art form. Why does this awful feeling plague me?” She shares her powerful story in this offering from The Muse Dialogue, “Seeking the Love of Music That I Once Felt.” (click to read full article)

A Question of Arts Survival?

Lincoln Center, former home to the New York Opera (Photo: Nils Olander)

The Muse Dialogue continues our series on the impact of changing generations on the arts. In this article we ask the question of whether these shifts may imperil certain art forms, and asks the question: Even if Millenials do support the arts, does that mean that they will continue to support all art forms?

Andrew Swensen writes, “The matter for me is not just about “arts marketing.” No, this is a question of the survival of art forms in the face of demographic shifts and concurrent shifts in participation. I do not necessarily ascribe to some notion of arts Darwinism – that some things perish as part of the natural order of things. Yet the truth is that there are indeed some art forms that have largely passed away. Yes, I can’t remember the last time I saw someone working on a fresco.”

Click here to read our latest article from The Muse Dialogue, “A Question of Arts Survival?”

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