Category Archives: Music

My valvectomy

Posted on December 12, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell I underwent my valvectomy some years ago. The operation went very well. I was on my feet throughout, though there was a point during the procedure when my wind pipe was cut off. But once we spliced … Continue reading →

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Which one?

Posted on March 5, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell Which will it be? Both, maybe? The Musicians of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra are giving two — TWO! — performances on Sunday, March 6. At 3 p.m., the MDSO are playing at Kirk in the Hills, a … Continue reading →

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Museum orchestras

Posted on February 28, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell “Museum orchestras.” That’s what retired Wayne State Univesity music Prof. Martin Herman calls most major orchestras in the U.S. Founded by Germans, playing mostly music by dead Germans, according to Prof. Herman. Now, I love Bach, Haydn, … Continue reading →

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Please don’t go to this concert!

Posted on February 23, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell Striking musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra are giving a concert this weekend. Please don’t go! It’s Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 8 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, 529 Hendrie Boulevard, Royal Oak, … Continue reading →

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Tone deaf

Posted on February 23, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell My mistake. Dave Bing must be mayor of Kalamazoo. Or maybe Traverse City. Now that I think of it, Ironwood in the far-off Upper Peninsula is more likely. He can’t possibly be mayor of Detroit, which is … Continue reading →

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How to wreck an orchestra

Posted on February 22, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell Start with a world-class orchestra, one ranked in the top 10 in the United States. What would be the easiest way to destroy such a beacon of musicianship? Well, you could provoke a strike of musicians, and … Continue reading →

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Scab music

Posted on February 22, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell Detroit Symphony Orchestra management wants to play hard rock. They want to keep their $400,000-a-year CEO and their pricey music director, but they want musicians to take a giant pay cut. Now, having had their cheapskate contract … Continue reading →

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DSO fans — let’s strike!

Posted on October 7, 2010 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell Ticket holders of the DSO unite! You have nothing to lose but your claims! Claims to refunds from Detroit Symphony Orchestra management for failing to deliver a season of great concert music. DSO management is dealing unfairly … Continue reading →

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Bashing musicians at the News

Posted on October 4, 2010 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell The Detroit News was huffing and puffing when their editorial writers advised striking Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians that “union-protected jobs with six-figure salaries are scarce in today’s Michigan. The musicians should hang on to theirs with both hands, … Continue reading →

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