Comments on: Can David Foster Save Symphony Orchestras?

By: lawrencedillon

lawrencedillon — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:10:42 +0000

I’d never bet on the likelihood of interesting artistic experiences under any circumstances — but that doesn’t mean I would dismiss anyone’s efforts to bring them about. I still say Mr. Foster’s efforts are commendable, even if they don’t completely pan out. That’s how I feel about composers who try to do things a little differently — kudos to them, even if the results aren’t always what they might have hoped.

By: john Mclaughlin Williams

john Mclaughlin Williams — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:54:23 +0000

You’re right, Lawrence, it’s possible for them to create an interesting artistic experience, but how likely is that? I wouldn’t buy a ticket and attend to hear the same old shit. I suspect that in holding this point of view I have plentiful company.

By: lawrencedillon

lawrencedillon — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:29:22 +0000

Can he save Symphony Orchestras isn’t the question — Nobody can. Can he help them create interesting artistic experiences? Absolutely. Cue applause.

By: Eric Lin

Eric Lin — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:32:55 +0000

Hmm…about a million each year…I guess it’s possible. Doesn’t sound like a remarkably interesting idea though. Let’s see what the orchestras come up with.

By: Eric Lin

Eric Lin — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:29:12 +0000

Look, the capacity of Stern is less than 3000 (I think its about 2700?). If they are guaranteeing $50,000 to each orchestra that performs, they need to at least sell (50000/25 per ticket=) 2000, which is over 2/3 capacity. And that’s just to make 50000. Plus, part of the proceeds go to composer royalties, esp. if part of the ‘new and adventurous programing’ is to include new works…or even simply works written after 1920 (or sometime around that).

Seems like a losing prospect. But then again, this is only an initial reaction. I’ll read the article before I post something else again.

By: CD

CD — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:34:58 +0000

With $166K financing per show, plus the box, against $80-100K in expenses it shouldn’t be too hard.

And their definition of ‘creative programming’ is very vague.