FLOOD THE PEOPLE WHO CAN DO SOMETHING Here is my reply to WACs response to my inquiries on 9-15-14: Dear Communications Department (names anyone?): Thank you for your response. Mediation may be a good idea. What conditions on mediation, if any, were imposed as part of the mediation offer? You recognize that solving the problems, which no one denies, will require all involved to play a role. What financial concessions and commitments have been offered by ASO and WAC management? Your Q&As, which are not much more than talking points, do not address constructive or sustainable solutions. To the extent your proposed sustainable operating model gives accountants the right to veto artistic decisions and determine the Orchestra complement, you have planted the seeds of ruination. This is not courageous; it is foolhardy. Please refrain from the empty statement that you are hopeful the parties will continue to negotiate. Negotiation requires the flexibility to address the problems while committed to artistic excellence, the alleged mission of our Atlanta Symphony. As you know, most of your musicians are auditioning elsewhere. If your decision-makers do not return to their senses promptly, you (or likely others) will find it necessary to rebuild our Symphony from the ashes of Robert Shaw. For the life of me, I cannot understand why anyone would want the epitaph: Here lies one who capitulated to the Barbarians. A responsive response would be much appreciated. General Sherman is at Kennesaw Mountain. Thank you for doing what you can do to preempt this crisis. John T. Ruff ----- Original Message ----- From: Atlanta Symphony Communications Dept Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2014 11:44:46 AM Subject: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Mr. Ruff, Thank you so much for your email. We are, of course, disappointed that we were unable to reach a new agreement with the union. We are hopeful that negotiations will continue and a resolution will be reached quickly. We have offered to meet with the musicians’ union in the presence of a federal mediator. Like you, we applaud our wonderful musicians and appreciate their contribution to the Woodruff Arts Center and to the arts in Atlanta. But, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestras financial problems are serious, and solving them will require all involved to play a role. The ASO has made significant progress from two years ago but still has an annual operating deficit of $2 million and accumulated debt from operations in the range of $5 million. We must find a contemporary and sustainable operating model that will allow the ASO and its musicians to flourish. Click here for Q&A related to the Collective Bargaining Agreement >> We sincerely thank you for your interest in the ongoing process to bring music back to Atlanta Symphony Hall. I am hopeful that the two sides will continue to negotiate and bring this issue to a quick resolution. Please call or email with any additional questions or concerns you may have. Sincerely, The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 15:24:00 +0000
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