Peter de Boor, Author at Senza Sordino

New Restrictions on Ivory Complicate International Travel for Musicians

Issue: Editor's Reports

By Richard Levine, Editor

Issue: May 2014

In 2013, poachers used cyanide to poison a water hole in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve, indiscriminately killing an unprecedented number of elephants and other safari animals. The reason for this horrendous massacre is simple: African elephant tusks (ivory) are still worth money on the black market, even though commercial trade in ivory has been banned by treaty since … [Read more...]

Remarks at the 3rd FIM International Orchestra Conference in Oslo, Norway

Issue: May 2014

By Bruce Ridge, ICSOM Chairperson

Issue: May 2014

At the 3rd FIM (Fédération Internationale des Musiciens) International Orchestra Conference, held in Oslo, Norway in February, Chairperson Bruce Ridge participated in a panel that explored the following topic: “While some orchestras are impacted by a drop in resources or by budgetary cuts, others continue to develop and flourish. What responsibility do politicians have?” Below are his … [Read more...]

NYCO 70th Anniversary Celebration

Issue: May 2014

By Gail Kruvand, New York City Opera Orchestra

Issue: May 2014

On February 21, 2014, 70 years to the day after New York City Opera’s first performance, the musicians of the New York City Opera Orchestra joined other artists associated with the company in a gala concert dubbed 70 Years of the People’s Opera. The location of the concert was the New York City Center, where the New York City Opera opened in 1944. Of course, “People’s Opera” refers to the moniker … [Read more...]

Minnesota Orchestra Lockout Continues

Issue: December 2013

By Marcia Peck, Minnesota Orchestra

Issue: December 2013

To our colleagues and friends across North America, all the musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra want to express our deepest gratitude and thanks. You have helped us with financial support and offers of employment, both of which have enabled us to withstand unparalleled intransigence on the part of the Minnesota Orchestral Association (MOA). We appreciate the huge support that came from the AFM … [Read more...]

Last Year’s Words and Next Year’s Voices

Issue: Chairperson's Reports

By Bruce Ridge

Issue: December 2013

In February of 1979, I joined my first professional orchestra at the age of fifteen. I remember everything about the night of my first concert, and I still have the program as if to prove it really happened. I remember how my 100% polyester tuxedo didn’t fit all that well, and how my giant bow tie was probably more appropriate for those awkward senior prom photographs than for the orchestra’s … [Read more...]

President’s Report

Issue: December 2013

By Brian Rood

Issue: December 2013

On December 5, 2013, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the arts and culture industry provided $500 billion, or at least 3.2% of total U.S. goods and service in 2011. In comparison, the arts and culture sector outpaced the travel and tourism industry, which was 2.8% of GDP in 2011. “Art and culture is a significant part of the U.S. economy—not just its contributions of ideas and … [Read more...]

Minnesota Legislators Call for Resignations

Issue: December 2013

On December 10, in a letter to the board of the Minnesota Orchestra Association, ten Minnesota State legislators called for the resignations of Minnesota Orchestra CEO Michael Henson, board chair Jon Campbell, and past board chair Richard Davis, accusing them of financial mismanagement. They also called for an immediate end to the lockout of the musicians. The letter is excerpted … [Read more...]

Orchestra Newslets

Issue: December 2013

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra showcased the arrival of its thirteenth music director, Louis Langrée, with a series of special activities. In November 2012, the One City, One Symphony initiative presented Maestro Langrée as the music director designate in performances of Schoenberg’s Survivor from Warsaw and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. After that initial success, funding was secured for a … [Read more...]

ICSOM Is Welcomed to Kansas City, Missouri

Issue: October 2013

By Laura Ross, ICSOM Secretary

Issue: October 2013

More than 100 people met in Kansas City, Missouri from August 21 to 24 for the 51st ICSOM Conference. Participants included ICSOM delegates and officers, AFM and local union officers, SSD staff, player conference representatives, presenters, and other guests. The location, the Conference hotel (the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center), the weather, and the fabulous hospitality of the conference … [Read more...]

Chairperson’s Report

Issue: Chairperson's Reports

By Bruce Ridge

Issue: October 2013

When Congress began its session on September 9, the members returned to Washington to address many pressing issues for our nation. Of course, whether or not they have any real intention of addressing any of those issues is a matter of debate, and we can leave that shouting match to the circus currently on 24-hour display on the various cable news outlets. But one issue in the budget debate is of … [Read more...]

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