Monumental Stupidity

(Note: This post, originally posted 19 July, has been updated (2) as of 2:54 PM Eastern on 21 Jul. See below.)

In an era where the most promiscuous sort of equalitarianism is everywhere rampant as a matter of course, it's beyond my capacities of comprehension that in one of the few decision-making processes where it makes eminent sense to give the final say and veto power to the proletariat, so to speak, that power is instead invested in an elite body with little or no professional competence or qualification to make that decision.

In the matter of the choice of conductor of a symphony orchestra, who better placed or more competent and qualified to select who will lead that orchestra than the orchestra musicians themselves. That the final say on such a critical selection should be left to a board of non-musician suits is not only an outrage, but a monumental stupidity.

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Update (2:41 PM Eastern on 20 Jul): As per usual, chief New York Times classical music critic, Anthony Tommasini, misses the point — the only salient point — of this contentious business entirely: Who is best qualified and competent to have the final say on the hiring of a symphony orchestra conductor? The orchestra musicians themselves, or a board of non-musician suits? The point of contention in this present business is concerned almost totally with that question. A music critic reciting a litany of the strengths and weaknesses of an already suit-appointed candidate (who, if she has any common sense at all, will decline to accept the appointment in these circumstances) is entirely beside the question; in fact begs the question.

Typical Tommasini.

Update (2:54 PM Eastern on 21 Jul):

Alsop, the first woman to be named music director of a major American orchestra, began the day at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, where she addressed the BSO privately, just before a rehearsal.

"It was my idea," Alsop said in an interview later. "I didn't meet them so I could tell the press. I did it for myself. I wasn't comfortable signing a contract until I could look them in the eye and see if we can make it work."

BSO associate conductor Andrew Constantine described Alsop's speech as "very compelling."

"She acknowledged the tension that existed. And she spoke about being an advocate for the orchestra, nationally and internationally," Constantine said. "She said she needed their support."

Jane Marvine, head of the BSO players committee, replied to Alsop's remarks on behalf of the orchestra. "Jane told Marin that the musicians would always give 110 percent," Constantine said.

Marvine, asked to comment yesterday, said, "She reached out, and we reached out."

After her appearance before the players, Alsop signed the contract, which calls for her to conduct 14 weeks each season in Baltimore. [emphasis mine]

RTWT here.