In 2009, the ASO Board and WAC managed to find $100 million dollars to build a new symphony hall that never materialized. Where did that money go? We have been told that when Bernie Marcus (Arthur Blank?) offered to give his generous contribution to the musicians, he was turned down by WAC.
-- Who is posing an argument for the need to promote the ASO's artistic growth, while appropriately mining the Atlanta donor community and restructuring debt?
Many of us sent letters to Stanley Romenstein ... and in his form-letter reply, he equated the ASO Board to a 'skilled ground crew' ... aircraft analogy that is not only inappropriate but demeaning. And given Dr. Romenstein's behavior, the 'skilled' part is untrue.
-- Who is speaking up for the ASO's national and international reputation?
-- Who is speaking up for the ASO's national and international reputation?
By adhering to an out-dated business model, the ASO Board has found plenty of money to pay themselves.
- Who is defending the importance of the ASO's continued advocation of works by living composers and its forward-looking exploration of new music?
Dr. Romenstein issues a (misleading) public statement implying that the ASO Board is responsible for the continuation of educational programs (ASYO and TDP) despite the lock-out. His statement neglects the fact that these programs are projects of the ASO musicians, and go back over 35 years.
-- Who is speaking for the musicians' history of close interaction with the arts community? Who is commenting on the musicians' mentoring of the next generation of musicians, despite being locked out of their own hall? Who is applauding the musicians' efforts to develop and maintain arts programs in schools throughout the city of Atlanta?
ASO musicians should already be in rehearsals. While the Atlanta Symphony Musicians are giving free concerts in this community, the ASO Chorus continues to rehearse (gathering to sing is like a port in a storm). The ASOC Singers and Friends blog is dedicated to getting the word out, disseminating information, gathering support for ATL Symphony Musicians ... and, sometimes, asking the many troubling questions which deserve to be answered.
-- Who cares for this orchestra as it struggles to preserve its reputation, its artistic vision, its deep commitment to Atlanta -- in the face of punitive cost-cutting and unreasonable demands?
Who is speaking for the art?
Excellent questions all. I would add: Who will repair the damage that has been and is being done to the key relationships between the orchestra, management, governing boards, audiences, and community? The "family" is having a very public and protracted fight that diminishes the organization as a whole. It's not uncommon in similar situations to engender ill-will and personal animus that permanently damage the fiber of an organization. Strong, credible, and positive leadership is required to guide the institution back to a semblance of health. Who will the repairmen be? The musicians will do more than their part through their performances once the doors of Symphony Hall are re-opened to them. The Chorus will do our part as their grateful artistic partner. Together, we will most emphatically speak for art. But we collectively will have just co-pilot responsibilities. We will still need a pilot, navigator and flight crew to get the bird off the ground and back up to cruising altitude.
ReplyDeleteOne thing about airplane analogies - like actual aircraft, they go both ways. You can climb out over the mountains or you can end up with a smoking hole in the ground.
Wheels up!
Laurie Cronin
ASOC Alto I
#363
Spoken like the true aeronautical engineer that you are! S.R.Ph.D. Didn't know who he was messing with when he started putting airplane analogies in his form letter replies.
Delete'Strong and credible leadership'. Such a presence is conspicuous by its absence.
ReplyDeleteDo you know when that offer to the WAC from Bernie Marcus was offered? I'd love to know more about that.
ReplyDeleteI also don't like how you never know where your donations will go... even if you mark it for symphony or chorus - seems like WAC decides where they want it to go...
Fabulous Letter!!!