Here's a great interview with Leonard Slatkin about recovering from an orchestral lockout or strike -- definitely worth listening to, if you missed the broadcast:
http://performancetoday.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/10/04/slatkin-orchestras-crisis/
Some very edifying comments from Mr. Slatkin, although, as he admits, each and every orchestra lockout or strike is unique in its issues and outcomes. One wishes our music director had followed Mr. Slatkin's 2nd path of action and spent time listening carefully to each side, even though he felt that in his position he couldn't express sympathy for the positions of one or the other. I can't say that I agree with his final thought--that all negotions should be conducted in secret. I'm too much of a believer in truth and openness, whether it be in the affairs of our governments, or those of a 501c3 non-profit arts organization to which individuals and corporations have donated in good faith.
ReplyDeleteAs I listened to Slatkin's soothing voice, it became more and more apparent how different the Atlanta and Detroit situations are.
ReplyDeletePrimarily: where is the proof of love? The ASO Board and WAC issue unctuous statements about 'musical partnerships' but don't attend concerts. WAC executives and ASO Management have no difficulty making wasteful, disastrous managerial decisions ... forcing the musicians to bear the brunt of the accumulated debt, while salvaging their own salaries and perks. Who does that out of 'love' for the orchestra? Musicians were not allowed to approach the Board with their concerns, and when they refused to sign a contract, they were locked out. Who does that while claiming to have the symphony's best interests at heart?
ASO Management has recently hijacked the ASO's educational outreach program -- started by musicians over 35 years ago and, until a few weeks ago, run by the parents and musicians -- and re-branded it to suit their purpose, spending thousands of dollars on color brochures. The musicians have to pay for that too. Who does this while professing 'respect' for the musicians?
I congratulate Mr. Slatkin, who is fortunate in having employers whose egos are tied to the success of what they are managing. The ASO, unfortunately, is supremely unlucky to have the triple threat of an indifferent board, feckless management, and an out-of-touch corporate 'overlord' - WAC -- who think locking out musicians, downgrading their status, taking over their programs and running them poorly, making the musicians dig the organization out of a monstrous debt not of their own making is good 'business' ... good for the symphony ... good for the community.
Sally, Thank you so much for saying what I've been trying to post! I agree with everything!
ReplyDeleteI think we would be very lucky to have such actual negotiations! The new information about the Outreach program is really horrific and are probably taking credit for the last 30 years as well!