"Lloyd W. Hanson" wrote:
> Our own KNAU, the voice of Northern Arizona University, has had a > locked cabinet into which are placed all vocal CDs that come to the > station. At one time the cabinet displayed a sign that said "Under > no circumstances play any of these CDs on the air". > > I have argued with the station manager repeatedly that this policy > will develop an audience that does not know vocal music and it is the > responsibility of all NPR stations to develop audiences for all forms > of Classical Music.
I am not surprised. I have come of the opinion that there is no difference between "public" broadcasting and commercial broadcasting, in that they all chase ratings and commercial dollars. They both run advertisements (only the style is different). They make programming decisions based on ratings.
I don't know that there is a "solution". But what solution there is must come from grass roots, from people like us making our views known, doing out small part (like Lloyd has).
This vocal music phobia is very odd to me, because opera must be the most successful "classical" art from in the USA at the moment. Orchestras all over are having trouble, but opera is growing. In the old days, American singers could not make a career in the USA. Now they can (though many still go to Europe).
I'm convinced the "polling" that the classical broadcast establishment relies on is flawed. They must ask the wrong questions or ask them the wrong way. It's bad enough when a real commercial station like our WGMS in Washington does it this way - but for "public" broadcasting to do it this way? Something's wrong with this picture. But my opinion and a dollar will buy a cup of coffee. I'm depressed, but am not giving up yet. I'm hopeful, in Washington at least, that some public pressure tactics will convince our public radio station to pick up the Met. The door is not closed. And be sure I and my like-minded opera-lovers will be doing out part to pry it open.
Peggy
-- Margaret Harrison, Alexandria, Virginia, USA "Music for a While Shall All Your Cares Beguile" mailto:peggyh@i...
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