Delighted you are blogging, Henry. I will forward a link to my colleagues in China--they will be especially thrilled to see your conductor comments. The League might also consider linking the blog to a translation device: as the Ministry of Culture of the PRC is in the process of "marketizing" much of what had previously been supported by the State, Chinese orchestras can use all the mentoring they can get, be it in person or through blogs.

Henry - welcome to the blogosphere! I'm particularly glad to find you here, as you have consistently been a voice of reason respected by many (in spite of the shrill voices from all sides of the orchestral wilderness).

This is great, Henry!!! Once again, you're on the innovative edge...
Cindy

As conservatories have master teachers, you are the symphony orchestra's 'grande homme'. Many friends are excited when you visit their city--your voice of experience, assertion and evaluation has helped so many. You mention Traverse City--did you stay at the resort with the creative wooden lobby? Safe travels--hope to see you again as in Milwaukee--great fun!

I have, for many years, appreciated your views on the 'State of the Union" I look forward to your thoughts through your Blog.

As a former Orchestra Manager, now working in theatre, I may be lured back again if we can truly adress the hard tough issues inherent in the structure and mindsets.

Terrific to see your Blog! what a great way to invigorate a first hand comittment to our exciting orchestral life in the US. Of course what we all want are some of your legendary speeches on podcast for traveling and distant "Vogel" admirers. Good Luck!

Dear Mr. Fogel,
May I first say how delighted I am that you are beginning this blog. I think it is a fantastic way for you to share some of your views and interesting happenings with those of us that are as large musical dorks (people who quibble about the minutia of orchestras). It's a beautiful thing.
In regards to your note to those of us who feel that the orchestra field never changes, you have raised a valid point. Indeed, years ago it would have been highly unlikely for a broader range in the cultural diversity and backgrounds of conductors. We are now in a different time--one of greater transportation and globalization, more services we can tap into and use to global proportions. And how is orchestral music reflecting these changes in our daily lives-- the way we conduct business, the ways we live, interact, associate with one another as humans and in our rapidly changing physical and cultural environments?
The presence of the two Chinese, female conductors is good. We need a broader range of cultural diversity within the performing arts in general, and those who attend performances. Still, that does not change the artistic deliverance of those works. Having live music to Alexander Nevsky is not revolutionary--the NSO did it some years ago. And I happen to know Ruth Lin. Although I do not remember where she grew up, I hope it wouldn't offend her if I said that she seems quite acclimated to the States. She spent her undergrad at Northwestern, as well, meaning she has lived here for some time at the very least.
It is wonderful to read your field reports, speaking of the excellent quality of the musicianship of notable smaller, regional orchestras. That is the first step. What else are these fine ensembles able to do to entice audiences and excite them about classical music?
Is such skepticism unmerited? If having two Chinese, female conductors is the best example of the orchestra field changing, the field is in need of some inner and outer reflection.
Perhaps one of the greatest services the ASOL can offer to its member (and all) orchestras is the skepticism and criticism necessary for them to become a contemporary form of art. Ask the difficult questions about how they are artistically satisfying (if at all) their audiences and in what ways. And, mainly, what can they do better?