That's probably exactly what the board was telling itself in 2008.

You're right, K. But the solution they came up with was based on math using erroneous numbers and the arrogance of power, all else to be ignored, or dealt with by fiat, or simply ignored for awhile. They did not consider the culture of Minnesota, the pride we take in our orchestra, and the quality we have come to expect, they did not consider the culture of music and the arts, they did not realistically consider the fact that they had a union to deal with, and they did not consider that both the State Legislature and the musicians could only be dealt with in a straightforward and honest. Consquently, their solution was absurdly foolish. Anyone who expected such a plan, implemented by edict, and ratified by trust in the future, was fooling themselves while attempting to fool others. It didn't work. We're on to them.

And look at the mess they've made.

We need realistic people, people of trust, integrity and judgement to deal with the problem as it stands now.Then we can again look to the future with an element of hope. I've still got my fingers crossed.

Tomasino

Congratulations are in order to Conductor Osmo Vanska and the MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA. Last evening they won a Grammy nomination for their recent recording of Sibelius symphonies number 2 and 5.

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/182299481.html?refer=y&refer=y

Tomasino

Representative Kahn says core issue in Minnesota Orchestra dispute is values, not budgets:

"One of the chief reasons I am proud to be a Minnesotan is the value we have historically placed on culture and the arts. It is from this core value that we have been successful in developing and maintaining one of the world’s most renowned orchestras: the Minnesota Orchestra.

Unfortunately, I am afraid that this Minnesota value is one that will soon be compromised by a desire of the Minnesota Orchestra’s Board of Directors to transform it into a corporate structure, rather than a state tradition. Instead of engaging in thoughtful conversations with all stakeholders about how to efficiently trim their budget, the board would rather leave the heavy lifting to its musicians — cutting their pay considerably."

Here's the full article:

http://www.minnpost.com/community-voices...ues-not-budgets

Tomasino

My point was that the negotiations themselves are private - there is give and take. I have been involved in negotiations, and there is a lot of misinformation that is presented to the public through unreliable sources. Usually, the more the parties can focus on what is going at the table itself, the quicker these issues are resolved and the more favorably for both parties. Ultimately, if the parties cannot come to a resolution, the organizations fail and no one wins.

For those of you who are following this situation, here is another development in the ongoing saga:

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/12/20/lawmakers-call-for-hearing-into-minn-orchestra-finances/

Hopefully there's no long term damage to the orchestra. Though I only went there a couple times growing up, I prefer it to my current location's (Seattle) orchestra and venue.