A recent article in the Miami Herald appears to confirm that the Florida Grand Opera has indeed opted to not renew its contract with its orchestra contractor, Sunset Entertainment.
Far from wrong, Mr. Johnson seems to have scooped the story and has gotten it absolutely right. His scoop however does raise some questions from an outsider's perspective.
- Where did Mr. Johnson get the scoop from?
- Why did the musician's union have the impression that Mr. Johnson's scoop was incorrect?
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Until April 4, General Manager Robert Heuer, Music Director Stewart Robertson, and FGO counsel Robert Kofman denied that a decision had been made. They made repeated statements to the musicians that the reports in the press were incorrect.
In previous press releases FGO officials said to be considering other options and contractors to supply the FGO.
It wasn't a surprise to anyone. Every three years the FGO decides to renew the contract or not; and contractors are presenting proposals all the time. This time FGO officials heard an orchestra they liked or a deal they couldn't refuse.
"This time FGO officals heard an orchestra they liked or a deal they couldn't refuse." I'd bet on the latter "deal" as this orchestra they've hired is a) not even fully formed yet, and b) will use some of the same usual South Florida freelancers. Anyone who knows how the scene in South Florida "works" (the word works being used extremely loosely as it is in essence a complete joke) can see the former Florida Classical Orchestra concertmaster performing with the new contractor's "higher quality" group in photos on numerous occasions at Miami Symphonic services' website. Do you really think that moving him from one orchestra to the other is changing anything? Give me a break. Yes some will not be offered work, some from the ballet orchestra will swap jobs with those from this season's FCO opera orchestra based on their relationship with the new contractor, more talented individuals will finally leave the area, and others will continue to futilly fight this nonsense. And in the end FGO will get away with the same sh** they've been shoveling for the past 25 years. They don't want to hold proper auditions, they don't want to employ musicians fairly, and they have absolutely no interest in this "quality" business. It is a money issue. The cheaper, the better in their eyes. Everything else is the wool covering everyone's eyes.
This debate continues at the Miami Herald:
Forum for FGO Fires Contractor
Forum for Miami's Mimi a highlight
It also continues at the FGO musicians web site.
Debate is also here:
Shell Game
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