“It’s been 16 months since the Oregon Symphony’s last president, Elaine Calder, left the organization,” writes April Baer at Oregon Public Broadcasting’s website on Tuesday (11/19). “In recent years, the Symphony has won accolades for its performances,” but board vice-chairman Walter Weyler explains that after commencing a replacement search the board suspended the effort, saying “ ‘There were things we felt had to be done before we could … bring in a new person, a new leader.’ … After the recession hit in 2008, subscription sales and philanthropic gifts plunged. Painful cuts were made.… [League of American Orchestras President Jesse Rosen] says the industry is facing the kind of external problems that can’t just be solved with better marketing” and that the kinds of orchestra administrators who have adapted well today have “ ‘a comfort level with uncertainty and risk, a readiness to innovate and try new things… That’s a very different mindset and outlook than might typically have been 15 or 20 years ago.’ ” Musicians and administrators are scheduled to start contract talks in the spring.
Posted November 21, 2013
