Vinyl is back! Not pants, AUDIO.

http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/commentary/listeningpost/2007/
10/listeningpost_1029

Hmm. Finally, my copy of The Shins on blue vinyl will pay off.
Ruth Meberg Stine

Drop that TUBA! Police arrest funeral procession in New Orleans

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2007/10/29/treme/

So sad. Ruth Meberg Stine.

Diva MIA, but 'La boheme' soars

Well, it doesn't look like Gheorghiu was overly missed after she was kicked out of Chicago Lyric.

http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/music/classical/585151,CST-FTR-lyric03.article

--CR Ferguson

Fifth-graders pen compositions for BSO

Now here's a way to foster creativity to school children.  We need more programs like this if we want the classical composer to live on.

 

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071029/LIFE/710290308/1005

 

~ Jessica

Companies That Give More to Charity Are More Profitable, Study Finds

The more you give, the more you get.  At least, that's what some believe.  It could be the other way around.

http://philanthropy.com/news/?id=3351&pth&utm_source=pt&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_content=leftbottom

--CR Ferguson

Goodwill going vintage

Article here.

This is cool. Goodwill of Greater Washington has hired a fashion blogger to boost their image among young, women professionals. Inspired by high-end fashion boutiques, Goodwill's new marketing tactic is "vintage" clothes, not "used" clothes. In addition to the new blog, Goodwill will also connect to customers through Myspace and YouTube. Yet another way the not-for-profit world can take advantage of cheap press outlets.

The DC Goodwill Fashionista also linked to a site that is criticizing the work of the (RED) campaign, saying it focuses too much on consumerism and not enough on actual charitable giving. I thought I'd add a plug for the site here too.
 

-Mary

How should the City of Cincinnati invest in arts and culture

these ideas sound great on paper

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071019/CINCI/710210328

--
Colleen 

France's operas to strike over pension reform

There comes a time in every arts lovers life where they must agree with the government (even if it is the French government), instead of the arts institutions.  Today is that day for me.  As France reforms its pensions plans some organizations like the ballet and opera are taking some major cuts. 

--

Traci

CSO hits sweet note with cash register

...CSO...chicago, not cincinnati :(

 

...but, it is good to hear good news too! Their first balance budget in 4 years and an increase in annual campaign giving!

http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/music/classical/621664,CST-FTR-cso26.article

-Khoa

Housewife lured by CCO while watching "The View"

I was ironing, waiting for Whoopi's next rant, and on comes Mischa from the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra!  I think this commercial is quite nice-- simple, classy, and well-suited to it's target audience.  Anybody know how we can find out if this marketing proves successful for them?

 

http://www.ccocincinnati.com/home.cfm

 

--Annie

The end of divas? Is it possible?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/chi-1007_divasoct07,0,1775497.story

With general managers such as Bill Mason at the Lyric Opera setting
the example, it's possible. Mr. Mason recently dismissed the Romanian
diva Angela Gheorghiu after she missed several rehearsals to watch her
husband's performance at the Met. The article makes a stand that
"genuine artistic collaboration" cannot occur with divas who believe
they can miss rehearsals whenever they want. And it further states
that this behavior does not fly like it did in the past. Ms. Gheorghiu
was not a "mutually accountable" team member and we are lucky (as
managers) that these sorts of attitudes are not being tolerated.

-Mary

CLO directors saddened by the closure

As another arts organization (Redlands Civic Light Opera) bites the
dust, their touching outcry to the community to continue to support
the other arts available could have two meanings...genuine advocacy,
and/or a sympathy card attempt at saying "someone, please save us!"

http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/news/ci_7259884

--

Traci

Blogs: Oh, for the days when they were just a harmless paradise for geeks

Although I still stand behind my old-fashioned, disdainful attitude towards blogs (they're scary! anybody can have one! that means people who aren't funny or smart can have one!), even conventional journalists are hip to the quick reactionary sales that a single entry can generate.  The music festival covered in this article proves as much.  However, with conventional journalists, clever marketers, and record company interns and executives alike infiltrating blogs and other havens of "free" expression, won't consumers lose faith in the validity of the opinions they find online? 

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/22/arts/music/22cmj.html?ref=music

 

--Annie, resident snob about books and stuff

Cincinnati Countil Candidates sound off on arts

Arts survey given to Cincinnati City Council Candidates...

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?NoCache=1&Dato=20071019&Kategori=ENT&Lopenr=710210301&Ref=AR

--
K h o a  T .  N g u y e n
4273 Williamson Place
Cincinnati, OH 45223
513.885.1707
AOL Screen Name - TNguyen529

Wake Up and Pay Attention to New Audiences!

According to a recent multicultural marketing study, ethnic consumers are almost twice as likely to pay attention to advertising than others.  This statistic is alarming for arts audience demographics, but maybe media/messaging strategies need to be adjusted.  Those same consumers claim the messages they receive are not relevant to them.  An interesting article on "cultural pinpointing":

http://sev.prnewswire.com/health-care-hospitals/20070917/NYM09317092007-1.html


-- M. Tyler Ennis

Let YouTube Do Your Fundraising

We all know that YouTube is another incredible subsidiary of Google, Inc.  But could the billion dollar company really have great intentions for the future of nonprofits?  YouTube debuts a nonprofit program where organizations can now apply for a designated nonprofit channel and collect donations through Google Checkout for nonprofits! 

http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=774228

-- M. Tyler Ennis

Alagna returns to `Aida' at Met Opera

Well it looks like Alagna finally redeemed himself from his last Aida performance at La Scala:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071017/ap_en_ot/opera_alagna

--CR Ferguson

S*#t Hits the Fan on Broadway

Members of IATSE Local One authorized a strike today. That's not to
say they are on strike yet, but their leaders are authorized to go
ahead with a strike should it be deemed necessary, which is
particularly troubling to Broadway producers as we are quickly
approaching their most profitable time of year--holiday season. Will
Broadway go dark for Christmas? Time will tell...

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/22/nyregion/22theater.html?_r=1&ref=arts&oref=slogin

~Shannon

Backstage Opera: The Met Punches Holes in the ‘Cover’ System

By "cover" it means understudy. It is an interesting article that
explains the [gentlemanly] cut-throat competition that understudies
now face against star singers filling in for other star singers that
fall ill. Are American tactics being replaced for a more European
approach?

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/20/arts/music/20oper.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=music

--

Traci

The Well-Tempered Web

This is an uplifting article for arts administrators about the way that the Internet is making classical music more accessible.  If you're in need of a glimpse of hope, it's worth reading. 

 

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/10/22/071022fa_fact_ross?currentPage=2

 

~ Jessica

The Post-Classical: No Coats, Ties or Stuffed Shirts

The Post-Classical Ensemble is a model that is working.  Might it be the model of the future?

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/12/AR2007101200529_2.html

 

~ Jessica

Good News for People Who Love the Internet

Well, it's good news if you're an arts marketer and you love the internet.  This recent survey (although the sample group of email subscribers is undoubtedly biased) reveals that the majority of arts patrons prefer online marketing. Will beating the spam blocker become paramount to our marketing success?  Are these surveys a trustworthy source of information, anyway?

 

http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2007/10/emw561742.htm

Budget ax falling at CCM

...budget cuts...close to home...

 

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071016/NEWS01/310160017/-1/rss

 

-Khoa

 

The classical X-factory?

BBC channel to start a show that's a mix of American Idol and Big Brother...but with teenage classical musicians...

 

would this fly in the US? there was a YouTube attempt at a similar show - America's Hot Musician http://www.youtube.com/americashotmusician .

 

...can't say it was too successful...

 

Is this helping broaden classical music?

 

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article2649324.ece

-Khoa

Minnesota Orchestra signs on the dotted line

The Minnesota Orchestra recently finished negotiating a five-year
contract with its musicians, resulting in a 26% increase by 2012. The
musicians agreed to potential cost-sharing of health care expenses if
costs rise by more than 10% in the second through fifth years of the
contract. I'm not sure exactly what "potential cost-sharing" means,
but I'd sure like to read that contract!

~Shannon

http://www.startribune.com/1646/story/1479413.html

Metropolitan Opera goes to the dogs

This is short blog in regards to William Wegman-an artist whose work involves photos of weimaraners (big silver hunting dogs).  The Met is currently displaying a large poster done by Wegman for MacBeth (the dog is in costume), and is creating one for all seven productions this season.  Cute and outside the box in terms of opera season promotional materials.

 

http://gothamist.com/2007/10/14/metropolitan_op.php#comments

--
Traci 

The Nokia Theatre is built, now will they come?

L.A. builds the "Time Square of the West" starting with the Nokia Theatre.  Wha-wha-wha what?!?! This is all started b/c there wasn't a cool outdoor hotspot in LA for cameras to shoot people celebrating the New Year's countdown in their round-the-world sweep.  Well that might not be the only reason, but the article gives that impression.

 

 

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-nokia11oct11,0,5521348.story?coll=la-home-center

--

Traci

Artists' Grants Free of Restrictions

This article in the NYT describes a new organization, United States
Artists, which is giving grants to artists (not just visual artists,
performing artists as well) free from restricitions, which I thought
was an interesting concept. These grants can be used for housing or
whatever else the recipient needs to get by. I'm applying
tomorrow--I've always wanted to buy a pony.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/10/arts/design/10gran.html?em&ex=1192248000&en=5760afcbe1f12b89&ei=5087%0A

~S. Rego

MTV Premieres 'Legally Blonde The Musical' October 13

Broadway and MTV?  Is it a dream or a nightmare?  Anyone want to TiVo it or host a get together?

http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=21740

--CR Ferguson

Leonard Slatkin To Take the Wheel At Detroit Symphony

Here's the link to an article about Leonard Slatkin taking the reigns at Detroit Symphony, something Scott Provancher alluded to in the last Current Issues Forum:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/08/AR2007100800480.html

--CR Ferguson

Symphony chief singing an optimistic song

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra spent $17 million a couple of years ago on an antique string collection...read on as 2nd year CEO discusses their current financial situation and how they plan on getting out of its $15 million deficit.

 

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2007/10/symphony_chief_singing_an_opti.html

-Khoa

Revolutionary Radiohead

Ok. So its not about a symphony or a Broadway show. But the English rock band Radiohead has challenged the music industry by saying to their fans "pay what you want" to download their new album In Rainbows. Interesting "study" in how much consumers think an album is worth.
http://www.thestar.com/article/265164

--Kobie Smith

---

Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail!

Check out this organization!

United States Artists. Mission:To nurture, support, and strengthen the work of America's finest living artists. And they do it with money!
An Artist's Grant That Even Pays for Glasses

--Kobie Smith

---

Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail!

Goodbye Broadway! It's Been Fun!

Can this REALLY be happening?

Negotiations are getting extremely serious as of today in the Broadway world.  The latest headline:

BROADWAY ON THE BRING OF A SHUTDOWN

This "shutdown" could potentially damage the theatre industry long-term and affect thousands of jobs tomorrow.  A wise professor once told me to consider the Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement.  We can only hope this alternative is not a shutdown.

Here's the morning buzz:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/10/broadway-on-the-brink-of-a-shutdown/

For further information, refer to the article by Campbell Robertson in the NY Times today (October 10, 2007).

--M. Tyler Ennis

Orchestra fans rally around Falletta after snub by national media

Patrons defend their orchestra and its conductor.  This is great free local press and builds a sense of community in an orchestra.

 

http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/177349.html?imw=Y

 

~ Jessica

Phillip Glass Waves a Confederate Flag at the Opera

Glass writes a historically accurate opera based on General Lee (just a good ol'
boy). Wrapping racism and war politics in his distinct style of slowly developing
instrumentals seem to leave critics a little...confused.

http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_7124757?nclick_check=1

-ruth

Rich People Giving to Rich Arts Orgs is just the Richer Getting Richer. Rich Rich.

http://www.artsjournal.com/artfulmanager/main/074942.php

This is a blog post with links to several articles and includes a quote from the
Secretary of Labor Robert Reich:

"I'm all in favor of supporting the arts and our universities, but let's face it:
These aren't really charitable contributions. They're often investments in the
lifestyles the wealthy already enjoy."

WOW! This is sucker-punch right in the fundraising gut for us arts people.
-ruth

Orchestra, musicians praise 5-year contract

I thought i'd give another bullet point to the string of orchestra contract articles...

 

http://www.startribune.com/457/story/1468797.html

 

-Khoa

--
K h o a  T .  N g u y e n
4273 Williamson Place
Cincinnati, OH 45223
513.885.1707
AOL Screen Name - TNguyen529

Hands off our opera, it's not your aria of expertise

Does being the director of the major opera like Puccini's Gianni Schicchi  require no operatic experience?  In the latest craze of hiring non-qualified top name Hollywood directors/film-maker, you may get that impression.  This article discusses the hiring of Woody Allen for the LA Opera production this coming summer and the critical dismay" of Sally Potter's attempt with Carmen this past season.  Both publicly express their lack of qualifications, and it showed with Sally.  Will there be a repeat with Mr. Allen?
 

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/stage/opera/article2600070.ece

--

Traci

Google the Candidates

A segment on "Day to Day" today. 

 

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15095840

 

Google Suggest allows you to see what people are searching for.  Maybe this has use for us in the arts world.

 

~ Jessica

If you discount it, will they come?

Of course they'll come!  The relationship between price and quantity on a demand curve isn't rocket science.  Perhaps a bigger problem for these arts groups is their ability to get the word out to those of us who think we can't afford to see New York theatre.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/theater/07ishe.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5070&en=3d9f8a1c88aa1dd8&ex=1192420800&adxnnl=1&emc=eta1&adxnnlx=1191773509-9mxeYqAuIseVFwUhzCmzvg

I went to college with Romeo and Juliet

Does this make you want to see opera? Really? ...REALLY?

I know the people in the commercial and I LIKE them, but this doesn't make me want to see opera. Or perhaps I'm being too hard on opera.



--Anne

A mighty wind

SanDiego is trying out this new thing where you can actually have the concert you just heard sent to you as a digital music file!  Could this be a revenue generator??

 

Hmm...if more orchestras start doing this, i may have to stop bootlegging concerts with my mini-disc recorder ;-)

 

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/features/20070930-9999-mz1a30symph.html

 

-Khoa

NPR wants me and my careless youth

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/04/DD7QSJ44G.DTL

So their plan to attract a younger audience is to, like, act sarcastic and whatnot?  But I do that by myself every day anyway...and besides, all the cool kids are hip to "Morning Edition."  My guess?  All this catering to the "post-boomers" is actually just going to attract *more* boomers, your mom and mine.

 

--Annie Wadman

Musicians Pine for More Wood

The quality of the wood makes all the difference. Believe it.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/20071001_Sour_note.html

Hey France: Hakuna Matata!

Here's an interesting article blurb on the import of musicals into the cultural mecca of Paris.  As the big guns of musical entertainment brace for their coup, France will certainly experience a detour from their traditonal theatre culture.  Broadway blockbuster, Lion King, is first up on the cuisine.  Will musicals take over the world?  Better musicals than Al-Qaeda...

Check it out:

http://arts.guardian.co.uk/theatre/news/story/0,,2181576,00.html


--M. Tyler Ennis

Art museum selects architect

The Cincinnati Art Museum has planned for a $150 million renovation and expansion in phased construction.  The firm is Neutelings Riedijk Architects, a Dutch firm based in Rotterdam.  The article includes a picture of the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision in Hilversum that they designed.  The building is such a spectical, really playing on the "vision" aspect.  Perhaps the building itself is a new form of marketing all together?

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070926/ENT07/70926017
 

 

--

Traci

Oh my god, Oh my god you guys!!!!

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/02/theater/02twee.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ei=5088%20&en=440149ed2dc6fc33&ex=1349064000&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

 

I'll admit it, I saw Legally Blonde and I enjoyed it. I was, however, a minority in the audience. We were surronded by young girls and their parents. The audience was lively and way into the music and dancing. Would I see it again? No. But I'm sure these girls would.

 

Tweens are a powerful demographic for Broadway. As the article points out, they influence their parents to buy tickets for shows and often more than once.

 

What was interesting to me was why a show like Legally Blonde is successful, but Little Women is a flop. The producer for Little Women points out that shows must target at demographics in a cross sectional way. Has Legally Blonde done this enough? Time hasn't told us yet. After a very successful summer, ticket sales are decreasing with the start of school. I think, however, unlike Little Women, Legally Blonde appeals to more "tweens". It doesn't seem to appeal to their parents as much, but who cares what the parents think, right? So long as their daughters, clad in pink, continue to convince them to buy the tickets, these tween-appealing shows will continue to sell.

-Mary

San Francisco Opera hopes to hit high note with ballpark show

This is just cool:  The San Francisco Opera is presenting a free live broadcast at the baseball stadium this Friday!

 

This is good marketing:  Attendees will be offered a promotion to remaining shows this season and have to register online to receive said promotion.  So, the Opera can accurately measure the event's success at bringing in new paying customers!

 

http://www.theledger.com/article/20070927/APE/709270855

 

~ Jessica Hummel

Internet is future of the orchestra

Can the Philidelphia Orchestra up their declining audiences through the use of virtual concerts and other expensive simulcast technologies?  Or will those people watching them be either cannabilizing their ticketed audience or too far away geographically to become a paying customer?

 

Hey, it's good PR anyway.

 

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/20070927_Internet_is_future_of_the_orchestra.html

 

~ Jessica Hummel

People Lending to People through the Internet

This is an interesting article about people lending to people in developing countries through non-profits like kiva.org.

http://images.kiva.org/s/content/about/images/YouTooCanBeaBankertothePoor_NewYorkTimes.pdf

http://www.kiva.org/

--CR Ferguson