I write this post in support of evolution, with regards to the arts.
The Vienna Phil is performing for the next few weeks in San Francisco. Their presence is causing quite a stir, both artistically and socially. The artistic excitement is obvious, it's one of the world's greatest orchestras. The social is a bit more elusive. Historically, the Vienna Phil is known for it's exclusion, as the orchestra is made of up mostly white men. Only recently did the orchestra begin accepting women into the roster and i think there are only about 4 or 5 current female members. The orchestra seems to pride itself on their lack of diversity, claiming that it is what helps to create their signature sound and performance style. So is it ok to justify social errors in the name of art?
Here's where evolution plays in: Survival of the fittest. It's no secret that classical music is dying. It's merely a fact that many classical players ignore. The attitude of this orchestra epitomizes this ignorance. Much of the greatest music was written in response to the human experience, so why do many classical artists seem to ignore that today? We seem so caught up in preserving the past, which seems to be the goal of the Vienna Phil, that we forget to create art for the future.
While the social errors of the orchestra are of great concern, what concerns me more is that this leading force in classical music is too caught up in antiquated tradition to have the energy to further a sustainable future for the art. Don't think that I am in any way demoralizing the performance abilities of the Phil. They are truly one of the greatest orchestras in the world. And I want them to continue to hire the greatest players, but the greatest players aren't always white men. True art comes from the highest level of expression and collaboration, exclusion based on race or gender has no place in making art.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Mindsets, Outreach, Perfection.
Life on the road moves fast. We're approaching our 100th performance! I've never played a show for this long and I'm happy to report that I'm not sick of the show yet. Yes, it's lost some of its magic, but the magic comes from creating a first time experience for a different audience every night. Working in the theatre is a selfless art. You're satisfaction is derived from the knowledge that every single show you play, whether it's your tenth performance or your 100th performance, is someone's first time seeing the show.
A few days ago we did a talkback for a local high school. I normally don't attend the talkbacks, mainly because i assume people are most interested in the actors, not the musicians. But this time i went and it was a wonderful reminder of why i do what i do. The high school was currently working on their own production of Les Mis and they had brought the entire cast, crew, and orchestra to the show, and subsequently to the talkback. To begin, we all did introductions. The students were super excited to see Valjean and Fantine, as she had gone to that school. When i introduced myself, the roar was quite possibly louder than Valjean's as the orchestra kids went crazy. It was a response i was not expecting and reminded me that what i do is pretty special, even as a violist.
I have always enjoyed doing talkbacks, mainly because i love to talk about what i love. Well, i love to talk. Period. I absolutely hope to do more talkbacks in the future, and maybe i'll consider extending myself to local schools. I know i loved hearing about the business when i was younger, it's my responsibility now as a working musician to educate and inspire young players.
As if this post weren't long enough, i have a confession. Just because I've played the show almost 100 times, i still make some pretty heinous mistakes every now and then... Like last night for example. I definitely got lost during Stars. And not lost like "I didn't count my rests." We're talking lost like I blanked during a very exposed line, where I'm driving the rhythm, and when i looked up at the music to save myself, i had NO idea where i was. Needless to say, i just stopped playing. Oops...
To all those young players reading this: perfection is impossible. Be satisfied playing your best, but always remember you're human.
Things to listen for when YOU see the show: This one is tough. As you know, most shows augment their string sound with synth sounds. Try to see if you can hear what is acoustic strings, what is synth alone, and what is a blend of the two. Its tough, which is a testament to our keyboard players, our string players, and our sound designers.
A few days ago we did a talkback for a local high school. I normally don't attend the talkbacks, mainly because i assume people are most interested in the actors, not the musicians. But this time i went and it was a wonderful reminder of why i do what i do. The high school was currently working on their own production of Les Mis and they had brought the entire cast, crew, and orchestra to the show, and subsequently to the talkback. To begin, we all did introductions. The students were super excited to see Valjean and Fantine, as she had gone to that school. When i introduced myself, the roar was quite possibly louder than Valjean's as the orchestra kids went crazy. It was a response i was not expecting and reminded me that what i do is pretty special, even as a violist.
I have always enjoyed doing talkbacks, mainly because i love to talk about what i love. Well, i love to talk. Period. I absolutely hope to do more talkbacks in the future, and maybe i'll consider extending myself to local schools. I know i loved hearing about the business when i was younger, it's my responsibility now as a working musician to educate and inspire young players.
As if this post weren't long enough, i have a confession. Just because I've played the show almost 100 times, i still make some pretty heinous mistakes every now and then... Like last night for example. I definitely got lost during Stars. And not lost like "I didn't count my rests." We're talking lost like I blanked during a very exposed line, where I'm driving the rhythm, and when i looked up at the music to save myself, i had NO idea where i was. Needless to say, i just stopped playing. Oops...
To all those young players reading this: perfection is impossible. Be satisfied playing your best, but always remember you're human.
Things to listen for when YOU see the show: This one is tough. As you know, most shows augment their string sound with synth sounds. Try to see if you can hear what is acoustic strings, what is synth alone, and what is a blend of the two. Its tough, which is a testament to our keyboard players, our string players, and our sound designers.
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