In Wednesday’s (2/26) New York Times, Allan Kozinn reports that the Little Orchestra Society in New York City is seeking to re-name itself, with help from audiences. Founded in 1947, the organization “has become renowned for its inventive educational concerts, and also, increasingly, for its inventive presentations of new works. But lately, members of the ensemble’s board and management, as well as the conductor James Judd, who became its music director last season, have been worrying that the name doesn’t fully reflect the orchestra’s mission.… The ‘Little,’ after all, gives the impression that the orchestra’s offerings are only for children, and ‘Society’ makes it sound like an old-fashioned club.… From Wednesday through March 9, music fans with ideas (you need not be a subscriber) can submit [suggested names] at the ensemble’s website, www.littleorchestra.org. ‘To me, this “crowd-sourced” campaign for a new name,’ Mr. Judd said in a statement, ‘embodies the qualities that have always been at the heart of our orchestra: a commitment to the audience. With every performance, education program and community project, we seek to present New Yorkers of all ages with a classical music experience to remember.’ The orchestra plans to announce its new name later this year.”
Posted February 27, 2014
