Monthly Archives: December 2009

Tis holiday concert season…

Posted on
Dec 12 2009
 by Sarah

Speaking of the inner grinch, Sam… Yes, it’s hard to maintain the holiday spirit while doing the umpteenth performance of some Christmas chestnut. But sometimes, the unexpected pops up, and we’re reminded of how much of what we do, presenting … Continue reading →

Posted in fun, holiday music | Comments Off

Fighting The Inner Grinch

Posted on
Dec 9 2009
 by Sam Bergman

One of the unfortunate side effects of being a musician at Christmastime is that it really does tend to ruin your enjoyment of holiday music. Caroling is a lovely tradition, yes, but when you’re playing Sleigh Ride or the Dance … Continue reading →

Posted in fun, holiday music | 6 Comments

In the crosshairs

Posted on
Dec 8 2009
 by Sarah

I’m finishing up Michael Pollan’s wonderful The Omnivore’s Dilemma, which, I have to confess, I started back when the Orchestra was on tour in late February (I have a bad habit of reading up to a dozen books simultaneously, which … Continue reading →

Posted in conductors and conducting, music and psychology, opera | Comments Off

Fan Relations

Posted on
Dec 6 2009
 by Sam Bergman

When you make your living as an entertainer of any sort, it’s inevitable that you’ll need to develop some degree of skill in dealing with the people who pay you to entertain them. Because whether you’re a professional athlete, ballet … Continue reading →

Posted in fun, sports, the long-suffering audience | 1 Comment

Wine, Music & Snobbery

Posted on
Dec 1 2009
 by Sam Bergman

If you live in the Twin Cities, and have any interest at all in good food and the restaurants that serve it, you probably don’t need me to tell you who Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl is, or that she has a … Continue reading →

Posted in audience feedback, elitism, food | 9 Comments