L.A. Philharmonic Contract May Make Recording Too Expensive to Release on CD
Gustavo Dudamel and the L.A. Philharmonic received a Grammy Sunday night (Best Orchestral Performance) for their recording of the Brahms 4th Symphony. Many rushed out to buy the recording in stores or tried to order it online, but to no avail...that's because no CD has ever been released.
It IS available, but only as an iTunes download. Apparently, the L.A. Philharmonic's contract with the musicians would trigger a huge payout were it released in a hard copy. So for now, you'll have to download it...or hope Gustavo and company come soon to a theatre near you.
Read Dudamel's Grammy Winner-and Why You Can't Buy it in Shops (Slipped Disc)
A Classical Music Rock Star Shows Us the Way to Build Audience
Those of us who try to figure out a way to make sure that there are audiences for classical music long after we're gone need only look to the West Coast for ideas. The hiring of Gustavo Dudamel by the L.A. Philharmonic was a marketing department bonanza, as he energizes not only the music performance scene, but the music education scene as well. After a recent L.A. Philharmonic performance in Caracas, audience members stormed the stage seeking an autograph from Dudamel. L.A. Times music critic Mark Swed wrote, "So popular is Dudamel that Frank Gehry was commissioned to design a concert hall for Dudamel's hometown of Barquisimeto that the town wants to name after the 31-year-old conductor."
For some reason, no matter how many times it is said, educators in this country do not get that music in schools is a crucial part of education. Maybe by watching what having Dudamel in L.A. does for music education there, and a look at the amazing effect El Sistema has had in the conductor's native Venezuela, will finally convince the "experts" that music in schools is vital. After all, it is El Sistema that made the young conductor what he is today.
Read Gustavo Dudamel and the L.A. Phil Start Things in Caracas (Culture Monster)
Change is the Only Constant in Marketing the Arts
It is no secret that Arts organizations the world over struggle daily not only to attract new audience members, but also to keep the ones they have.
 Some organizations have invited audience members into the creative process. Others have altered their ticket policies, offering more liberal exchanges or hooking up with Groupon. Whatever the case, business as usual has lost its sense of usual.
Many are reaching out to their audiences, not just to get them into the auditorium, but to get their opinion on what they want to see and hear.
Read Chicago Arts Organizations Seek New Ways to Reach Audiences in Economic Downturn (Chicago Tribune)