Posted by dp on October 17, 2002 at 11:52:24:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Calgary Philharmonic Shuts Down posted by Chuck Jackson on October 17, 2002 at 09:59:47:
I think it is possible to return to reality in today's orchestral scene,
but to reverse the entropy in the performing arts in general, several things
must happen. I'd suggest that young artists who truly love playing, and sincerely
covet the opportunity to play for a living consider chasing and securing the kind
of skill sets that will benefit all facets of their interest (in this case, performing arts.) So many of us DO now have a "fall-back" plan, but perhaps our well-meaning advisors steer us in directions that are mutually exclusive from our love of perfomance! When is the last time you heard of a symphony board chair who was an accomplished instrumentalist, or held a degree in something other than "bottom-line" administration ? Or a marketing/box office director, or....(fill in the blank)
As artists there is SO much value for us (and the culture we'd want to remain a part of)
in philosophy and "liberal" arts, there is a different perspective that we bring to the decision circle! When we start chasing broad-focus academic experiences AND successfully chase roles of prominence in community leaderships, perhaps we can stave the decay of certain vital cultural activities.