The League of American Orchestras Conference: An Essential Investment in Troubled Times

My own comment is that I would LOVE to come to this year's conference, but it is right at the same time as a major fundraiser. In an organization of our size, it would be very difficult for me to be absent. That being said, I haven't ruled it out!

I think Jeffrey Biegel's idea is a great one! I would love to meet Keith Emerson and hear his concerto live. Mr. Emerson did more to interest people of my late baby-boom generation in classical music than anyone I can think of, yet he is largely disdained by the mainstream classical music society. It would be interesting to have him participate in a panel discussion on how to engage younger audiences.

Lastly, the writer of the anonymous letter needs to grow up. That was a mean-spirited and cowardly comment.

A few years ago, I offered to bring some of my eclectic repertoire to the conferences, with the composer to be present. I believe that these conferences need to have a visible presence of artists with composers of fresh and exciting works--even an old one being revived--as is the case of the Keith Emerson Concerto. How many orchestra administrators would like to meet Keith Emerson and hear his concerto? Would events like this bring more people to the conferences without batting an eye? Would having a composer session with the likes of the serious composers and pop composers speaking be helpful? Would this help break the walls down of having the two meet more to create new works for the concert hall? Worked for Paul Whiteman and George Gershwin.

Perhaps orchestra are getting wise to the fact that spending thousands (or even tens of thousands) of dollars on dues and then being charged to attend conferences and professional development programs isn't really in their best interest. Or perhaps you're overestimating the value of attending the conference which has far more to do with the League validating itself than actually befitting members.

I disagree with your conclusion: the conference is precisely the sort of expense orchestras should put on the chopping block before anything else. If the financial situation is particularly bad then they should drop League membership entirely.

Rant all you want, it is time for the League to collapse under the weight of its own bloated carcass.

It is unfortunate that the writer of the above has chosen to remain anonymous as clearly I have a dissatisfied customer on my hands. As director of customer delight at the League I would truly like to have a real discussion with him or her. However, we already have over 200 registrations for the Conference in Chicago, 9-12 June, and that is a record number this far out. What we are hearing is that this is the year, more than ever, that orchestra managers wish to come together to understand the economic uncertainty and share the ways in which we are all coping. If providing the forum for these important conversations to take place is validating the League’s own interest, I am happy to plead guilty. And for the record, readers may be interested to know that our dues make up just 24% of League income. We are proud that our successful fundraising allows us to subsidize the full cost of the League’s services and programs for orchestras across America.


Russell Jones
Vice President for Marketing & Membership Development
League of American Orchestras