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Showing posts from July, 2026

The Survival of Classical Music in the United States

  For lovers of classical music, such as myself, the lengthy article I have linked to below is well worth reading. It is an in-depth analysis of what is occurring with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The situation with the BSO is not unique, in that other orchestras are facing similar difficulties/dilemmas. Although most of my Facebook posts in recent years have focused on political matters, in response to my disgust with Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, my background and heart are tied closely to classical music. Having served in both performing and administrative capacities with ensembles, it is disheartening to witness what is currently occurring, more so in the United States than Europe. The crisis with the Boston Symphony Orchestra is multi-layered, which is why reading the lengthy article I provided is worthwhile. It is safe to say that classical music is currently safe in Europe, but the scenario is different in the U.S. Orchestra boards and management are focused on ...

A Reflection On Our Nation's 250th Birthday

  Speaker Mike Johnson sent House members home early for the July 4th recess. They are not scheduled to return to Washington until July 13th. His reason for sending members home early? He knew there would not be enough votes for Donald Trump's Save America Act. So, instead of enduring a defeat and receiving a rebuke from Trump, Johnson adjourned yesterday's session. It is a sorry state of affairs when we consider that the House has abdicated its duties and the so-called Great American State Fair is essentially void of crowds. I blame both the Trump Administration and the Republican Party for our current pathetic situation. I was a Republican back in the 70's and 80's. The party was very different back then. I am not saying the present Democratic Party is perfect by any means. Democrats need to get their act together, which means stopping all the infighting between moderates and progressives within the party. Sadly, the Republican Party I was once part of is no...