UK press blanks new Manchester conductor
OrchestrasThe Hallé (est. 1858) lays claim to being the oldest* and, at one time, most famous orchestra in Britain. A change of leadership at the Hallé would, until recently, have yielded headlines in all broadsheet newspapers the following day.
Today, nothing.
The Times posted a news article online after midnight, but not in print editions. Nothing has appeared in the Telegraph or the ‘i’. Nothing either, shockingly, in the Guardian, which once blazoned ‘Manchester’ on its masthead.
Such is the present invisibility of orchestral music in UK media.
Yesterday’s breaking-news report in Slippedisc has been disparaged by some Hallé loyalists for giving a rounded account of the new conductor’s career so far. Comments from Hallé musicians beneath our report show that the choice was far from unanimous and may prove contentious.
*The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic disputes the Hallé’s precedence, claiming 1840 as a start date.
What do you expect at a time when orchestral music is widely referred to as a “song” because so many people seem unable to comprehend music which is not represented by a celebrity or two?
Instrumental music seems to be dying out across most genres.
Except in Hollywood.
I accept that film and game music appear to be exceptions, although some radio stations now include film music within the classical genre, rightly or wrongly.
Whether instrumental film music would get anywhere without celebrity driven movies is debatable.
Seeing as Nadine Dorries is unlikely to end up in the Lords, with her extensive experience, expertise and knowledge of the arts, it’s surprising that the Halle didn’t think about her for the role of Conductor and Music Director. She’s bound to believe that she has the requisite skills and would be sure to get the orchestra on the front page of every daily newspaper!
Perhaps her name was indeed put forward for the post but the orchestra board turned it down on the grounds of its wish not to expose the Hallé to the possible risk of its appearing on “I’m A Celebrity: Get Me Out Of Here”…
Newspapers seem to think there is only one conductor: Sir Simon.
A Times article posted at 00:01 suggests a press release embargoed until midnight. So, this announcement, or “news”, would miss the early print editions.
I stopped buying The Guardian, after two loyal decades, when they started publishing “major” theatre reviews on the news pages of late editions. This policy meant that half the country (including me) never saw many of these reviews (in the days before news websites).
There was no embargo. The new was released around 10 that morning.
Strangely I could find only one “player” comment of a negative nature and that was by someone hiding under the name “Angry player”. And the veracity of that commentor was challenged by a player from the Hallé.
The Hallé conceded to Liverpool years ago.
My colleague David has noted on the other post that “Angry Player’s” credentials seem dubious to say the least; it seems unlikely that this is genuinely a Hallé member. My perspective as one of the longer-serving members of the orchestra is that the atmosphere among the players is generally upbeat and excited about the future, albeit tinged with the inevitable sense that Mark’s shoes will be giant ones for anyone to fill. It is fair to say that a few colleagues are less certain about Kahchun’s appointment at this stage, especially given the degree to which it has been encouraged by our Chief Executive (who I happen to think is doing a wonderful job for us). I am hoping that the concert on Saturday goes well, and that it reinforces the sense that we have made the right choice.
Funny enough, I saw this news in Chinese language media.
The Guardian website (no Manchester in sight) has more important things to cover like: ‘Your body is miraculous – enjoy it!’ 10 ways to be much more body-confident’, “Partying, but not for profit – 8 ethical music festivals in the UK and Europe”, and, of course, the urgent, “I am kinky but my partner is not. Should I end our secure, loving relationship?”
Let’s get our priorities straight.
There has definitely been a “dumbing down” at this website.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGscoaUWW2M
Probably because the press release was lazy and generic. If you want coverage try and find an angle other than ‘orchestra appoints conductor’.