Chicago Symphony Multimedia Initiative

The Chicago Symphony announces a new multimedia initative- starting its own record label and returning to nationally syndicated radio via the WFMT network.

New York Philharmonic Concerts on iTunes

The New York Philharmonic is offering select concert archives for sale via iTunes. The plan is for seven live recordings each year, all available for download, and some available for CD purchase.

Arts Attendance Declining for Younger Audiences

A report released by the National Endowment for the Arts shows a decline in arts attendance in young adults (ages 18-34). They're simply choosing not to go to places that don't feature the "technology language" they're used to hearing.

The Met Strikes Again!!

The exciting news keeps on coming. Today's press release details a new Metropolitan Opera Channel on Sirius Satellite Radio, featuring live and archived performances from the Met's 75 year history!

Metropolitan Opera Multimedia Initiative

A press release by the Metropolitan Opera shows some exciting and evolutionary thinking on the part of the new General Director Peter Gelb. The comprehensive digital media initiative includes broadcasting live performances to movie theatres, streaming them over the Internet, and delivery over Satellite Radio. All of this was made possible by union negotiations over the summer.

Metropolitan Opera Looks for New Audience

Today's New York Times features an article discussing a new advertising campaign, directed at a generating new audiences for the Met, which up until recently, never had any trouble filling the 4000 seat house. Peter Gelb is shaking things up - bravo!!

Bleak Outlook for Newspaper Industry

Further evidence that traditional advertising is becoming less effective. A recent analyst report predicts a revenue shortfall of $20 billion in the newspaper industry by 2010. The report cites increasing online migration of 18-39 year olds and diminished advertising revenues as key contributors to the shortfall.

Orchestra Union Developments

Here's an article from last week's Boston Globe reporting on developments in negotiations with orchestra unions. While it does present some encouraging news for allowing orchestras to create digital downloads of their live performances, I wish the agreement went a step further and allowed for 'download only' recordings.