The American Orchestra

Orchestras in Communities and as Communities
<ul><li>Mark Clague, University of Michigan<li>Michael Jensen, University of Michigan<li>Michael Mauskapf, University of Michigan<li>Fabio Rojas, University of Michigan<li>John Paul Stephens, University of Michigan</ul>

Description

Semester: 
Winter 2010
Lecture Time: 
Friday, January 22, 2010 (All day)
Lecture Location: 

Room K1310, Ross School of Business

Abstract

Orchestras in Communities and as Communities Abstract: How exactly is the orchestra an "institution"? How is it meaningful in American society? This unique ICOS session attempts to answer these questions by unearthing the cultural importance of the orchestra in America and discerning what these institutions can tell us about the study of organizations in general. Indeed, as one of our foremost cultural entities, the orchestra's internal structural framework and web of relationships have had an effect on the way cultural organizations function and meet (or fail to meet) the demands of an ever-changing environment. After an introduction by Fabio Rojas, Mark Clague will discuss how the various organizational models of 19th-century orchestras in Chicago foreshadow the issues facing the American orchestra today. By analyzing the structure, strategies, and inertial pressures behind the modern orchestra, Michael Mauskapf challenges the binary opposition of commercial success and artistic progress. These two presentations will be followed by a discussion concerning the promise and perils of art institutions, led by Michael Jensen and John Paul Stephens. We hope that by considering the institutional history and practices of the American orchestra, we can better understand and address the challenges and opportunities of the present, and envision possible alternatives for the future. An extended conference on these topics will take place in the Rackham Amphitheatre January 27 & 28, 2010, and will feature a number of internationally-renowned figures in the orchestra and academic worlds. All sessions are FREE for UM students and faculty; see http://sitemaker.umich.edu/orchestrasummit for the full schedule and more information.

Recording & Additional Notes

Introducer: Bo Kyung Kim, Strategy