Orchestra's thin skin

In
4 minute read
248 E Eschenbach
Orchestra to Dobrin:
We've got you under our skin

DAN COREN

So Peter Dobrin, it appears, really does get under the skin of the Orchestra's management after all. Here's an excerpt from the Orchestra's latest press release, titled, "A show of support for Christoph Eschenbach":

" '...what counts as success these days is Eschenbach and the orchestra reaching the last measure of a piece without getting lost along the way.' These types of comments about Maestro Eschenbach and our orchestra are ridiculous, offensive, and defamatory."

The quote is from one of Dobrin's recent pieces in the Inquirer. Aside from the Orchestra's lacking the nerve to mention Dobrin by name (or to attach any individual's signature to the press release itself), what's ridiculous is calling Dobrin's words defamatory.

If I go to an Phillies game and yell "You stink, Utley!" (something I would never do, I assure you), I might appear ridiculous and offensive to most of the people around me, but nobody's going to sue me for defamation. I myself have often wondered what Dobrin could possibly be hearing, but he's just expressing an opinion. Get over it!



To read another view, click here.


Editor's note: Below is the complete text of the Orchestra's October 27 e-mail message to its followers:

Dear Friend of The Philadelphia Orchestra:

There has been much interest and discussion regarding Maestro Christoph Eschenbach’s recent announcement that his tenure as Music Director of The Philadelphia Orchestra will conclude with the end of his current contract, which runs through the 2007-2008 concert season. Unfortunately, much of the press coverage has presented personal opinions and speculation that could very easily be
misconstrued as fact.

We are communicating directly with you to set the record straight.

Fact: First and foremost, we are very proud of the work Christoph Eschenbach has done with The Philadelphia Orchestra and his tenure has been and will be celebrated as part of the legacy of The Philadelphia Orchestra. His decision to conclude his tenure as Music Director at the end of our 2007-2008 season is a personal one. Although we offered him an opportunity to continue as our Music Director, he feels he has achieved his goals with us here in Philadelphia and has many other opportunities to consider.

Fact: Maestro Eschenbach has always been treated with respect by the board, management and musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra. It is simply irresponsible for anyone to disregard this fact, make assumptions about his motivations, or manufacture possible reasons for his departure.

Fact: There have been many important achievements during the first three years of Maestro Eschenbach’s artistic leadership of The Philadelphia Orchestra, including the initiation of a landmark recording contract, highly acclaimed national and international tours, the appointment of nine musicians, including five principals, and a renewed institutional commitment to community outreach. He has effectively shared his vision of the orchestra’s future with donors, helping to build the orchestra’s endowment to unprecedented levels.

Fact: All truly great artists provoke excitement and sometimes a degree of controversy. Christoph Eschenbach is no exception. His work with The Philadelphia Orchestra has produced many brilliant performances and recordings. Though they may not always be to the liking of every music critic, they remain valid, important artistic statements made by an artist sought after by leading orchestras around the world.

Fact: Christoph Eschenbach will remain the Music Director of The Philadelphia Orchestra for nearly two full seasons and several weeks as a guest in 2008 -2009. We look forward to the important concerts and recordings we have scheduled with him during that time.

Fact: We, and many in our community, feel that in recent press coverage there have been personal attacks on Maestro Eschenbach, along with negative innuendo about his relationship with The Philadelphia Orchestra. A local critic of the Philadelphia Inquirer went as far as to allege that, “… what counts as success these days is Eschenbach and the orchestra reaching the last measure of a piece without getting lost along the way.” These types of comments about Maestro Eschenbach and our orchestra are ridiculous, offensive, and defamatory. Our entire orchestra family is profoundly disappointed when reporters report the news in such an ungracious way.

Fact: The entire orchestra family – board, staff and musicians – are committed to supporting Maestro Eschenbach and making the most of the remaining time we have together and to sharing our music with you.

The Philadelphia Orchestra Association

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