"Symphony 101"

Recently I received a copy of the 2009-10 brochure of the Rochester (NY) Philharmonic. The orchestra no doubt receives a boost from being located in the same city as the legendary Eastman School of Music, but, like most orchestras today, must consistently market itself effectively and demonstrate its continued relevance to its community. A few years ago the situation for many orchestras was looking bleak, but lately some orchestras have experienced positive growth and increased media attention. Here in St. Louis, the St. Louis Symphony posted significant audience increases in 2008-09, as well as increases in financial support as a result of challenge grants. Also significant is the fact that audiences have become increasingly diverse in social, economic, educational and ethnic backgrounds, proving that great music speaks to us all.

I have long felt that one of the problems facing orchestras today is the tragic state of music and general education in our society. Although many public and independent schools maintain excellent music programs, too many schools do not. Even some of the schools with strong programs emphasize marching bands and "show choirs" at the expense of orchestral, chamber and traditionally-oriented choral music. Marching bands and vocal entertainment are worthy endeavors in and of themselves, and offer students rewarding experience, but students should be made aware of orchestral music as the backbone of serious Western music, along with the classical choral and solo vocal traditions without which modern popular music would not exist.

Increasingly, orchestras and their conductors have realized that they must assume the task of educating the public in addition to performing; our schools simply will not do the job fully. Thankfully, this is being accomplished. Here in St. Louis, David Robertson, music director of the SLSO, frequently gives brief commentary and introductions to new works, as well as occasionally to the masterworks. The SLSO also has vastly increased its offerings and venues throughout the community in an effort to accommodate all tastes.

In Rochester, Music Director Christopher Seaman offers a series of concerts entitled "Symphony 101"--with an option to graduate to Symphony 201--that introduce listeners to standard masterworks. The concerts are one hour in length, and are followed by question and answer sessions with Mr. Seaman. This "course" is an important contribution because, although many musicians lament audiences' reluctance to accept new works, in reality too many of us still haven't learned to accept and understand the traditional masterworks. Perhaps if we become better acquainted with our shared cultural legacy through the masterworks of the past, we will not only enrich our own lives, but will also develop the discernment and understanding to evaluate the new directions in which music and culture are heading.

Shakespeare in the Heartland

William Shakespeare has attracted quite a following here in St. Louis. The city now boasts two resident companies devoted to the Bard's works, with one offering free performances at Forest Park in the summer. In addition, various other theatrical venues around the city mount Shakespearean productions throughout the year. It was not so long ago that some local school districts were de-emphasizing Shakespeare's works in their curriculums, but that situation seems happily to be reversing (although sadly even a few colleges seem to be opting for trendier, contemporary literature above the classics in some case, although hopefully that too will change).

The Soundstage Theatre recently presented what amounts to a brief retrospective: William Shakespeare's Greatest Hits, created and directed by Dave Houghton. Although serious academics might roll their eyes and lament this sort of fast-food Shakespeare, this production was an excellent review of many of the memorable lines and plots that some of us might have forgotten, as well as a wonderful introduction for young theatre-goers to the joys of Shakespeare and the Elizabethan world. Moreover, this production was performed in readers' theatre style--eight actors onstage in black speaking lines, with minimal action. Soundstage terms this technique "theatre of the mind", and it is remarkably effective; we quickly learn that our own imaginations are far more skilled at crafting a set design than we ever realized, and the lack of sensory input enables the audience to concentrate on the true meaning of the words.

Like the salon movement mentioned in an earlier post, readers' theatre is something that can be enjoyed in homes or clubs, and can be performed by amateurs or professionals alike. It offers a means of bringing theatre into a friendly, intimate setting, much like chamber music did for past generations. It is an excellent learning tool. It is also fun to experience readers' theatre in an actual theatre. Soundstage performs in a studio setting, which helps the audience feel that they are part of the drama.

Soundstage does not currently maintain an official website, but anyone interested in attending one of their productions can contact their box office at 314-968-8070.

Thanks,
Gary

The Re-Emergence of Salons

Recently my friend John, an English professor at a local community college, shared with me an idea to alleviate doldrums in the middle of winter: Once a week, probably on a Sunday evening, he would invite friends over for a light dinner and a literary discussion--poetry, a shared book, whatever. What John had in mind was highly reminiscent of the literary and cultural salons that played such an important role in Europe in the post-Renaissance period, particularly in France.

The idea of salons did not begin in France--they probably first appeared in Italy--but they flowered immensely in France, and became not only influential, but politically and intellectually powerful. Interestingly, most of the early salons were developed and led by women, who found them a means to exercise a greater measure of influence in society. Today salons still exist, and one could even argue that Internet forums represent a sort of online salon, but it might be a good idea for us as a society to develop a renewed interest in the power of salons to educate, stimulate and impact our culture.

In the United States we have many outstanding secondary schools, colleges and universities. However, tragically we also have many underachieving schools--and it may be that a growing number of them are post-secondary. A discussion group offered by an informal salon offers an excellent means for people of different ages and backgrounds to get to know each other, share ideas and learn from each other. Such gatherings can certainly be fun and sociable, and would not have to follow any sort of strict format, unless the group chooses to do so.

A salon can be whatever its members want to make of it. Any group of people with a shared commitment to enriching our society could create a salon, and they could do so for a limited time, or more permanently, as they so choose. Offering refreshments and having a time just to socialize is an excellent way to make an intellectual discussion more palatable to those who are timid about flexing their brains. Our family used to invite a few friends over to read a play out loud, or share favorite poems. Even at a young age my own children greatly enjoyed these evenings. The group could choose to listen to music, view art, discuss politics, spiritual matters, education--the possibilities are endless. Decisions can also be made as to whether to keep the group small or large, or possibly to give birth to new groups.

I plan to do my small part to assist John as he plans his own winter gatherings. Maybe the rest of you would also like to consider getting a group together to explore a topic of your choice. By stimulating our own minds, we are energized to then go out to impact the world. And, hopefully, the increased self-esteem and awareness we will have developed will enable us to work only for positive change.

Thanks,
Gary