| Here We Are . . . | ||
| "At a time when black despair hangs over large sectors of the classical music world" (Alex Ross, the New York Times, June 11, 1996). |
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Anarchic Philharmonic |
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| Anarchic Philharmonic proposes that the solution to the current orchestral dilemma rests in the complete overhaul of the role of conductor. | ||
| The Dilemma ? |
Quite
simply, the advancing age and declining dependability of
audiences, trends that have been attributed to failures
of presentation, of marketing, of fundraising, of
repertoire, of the musicians, of the soloists, of the
agents, of the unions, the list goes on. But the place where all these problems intersect is at the podium: the rarely assailed position of conductor/musical director. |
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| Conductors are the problem? |
Actually,
most conductors are extraordinary musicians. But the
concept is out of date. And the need is diminishing. In the first place, it is wasteful for an organization that spreads its musical and economic responsibilities over so many highly trained and talented individuals to concentrate its artistic responsibilities in one person. In the second place, repertoire, soloists, and guest conductors chosen by a chief conductor will always reflect that one individual's biases and ambitions. In the third place, the authoritarian social model is unacceptable to many musicians, and unattractive to audiences, especially younger audiences. |
Life does not revolve around someone else. Should music? |
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need for conductors is tied to repertoire, to the
perception that they are essential, and to the business
interests that feed off of them. Of these, only the first
has any merit beyond the changing times. Some orchestral works have to be conducted. But why should new works have to be conducted? The first reason is that many composers are unaware of the alternative. The second is that the conductors, in their role as musical directors, control the commissions, and expect a centralized performance model that they can command. By educating composers, and downsizing the conductor/musical director, we liberate the future of orchestral music from hierarchy. (And coincidentally, we liberate the conductor to resume the practice of pure musicianship, unburdened by power and its obligations.) |
It's a non- hierarchic world. The orchestra deserves to be a part of it. |
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the complete, unconducted, orchestral event. |
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| The
over-riding new need is for ways to enjoy the acoustic
and artistic splendor of a large number of musicians
playing together without compromise. New musical works are needed. New concepts of the the orchestral event are needed. And new techniques for rehearsal, for uses of space and technology, and for means of event organization are needed. These are what Anarchic Philharmonic is all about. |
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| Our Mission |
Anarchic Philharmonic will both produce it's own orchestral events as well as work with established orchestras to direct events for them. Its choice of repertoire and technical expertise will eliminate the need for a traditional conductor, while assuming all responsibilities as to repertoire, rehearsals and performance that normally fall to the conductor. In addition, it will provide orchestral contracting services as needed, and it will provide complete artistic, technical and planning services to orchestral administrations wishing to add film, lighting, television, multimedia and/or theatrical components to their events. Its services will be marketed to orchestras much in the same way those of conductors are marketed. Finally, Anarchic Philharmonic will commission unconducted orchestral music and produce recordings and information supporting the same. | |
| Objectives |
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| Contact Us | AP@anarchicharmony.org | |
| projects | people | home anarchic harmony foundation |
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