Is it the money? Do we have a Rodziński today?

[Sylph]

The Guardian asks What would it take to create a British orchestra of the stature of the Berlin Philharmonic?. In short, it's about scheduling and money. Less rehearsals and playing during the day, but more money.

Is it really that easy? Can you make a 'provincial' orchestra sound like Chicago Symphony? What is a provincial orchestra anyway? How much time would you need to make of it a powerhouse orchestra?

And then – does someone like Rodziński, who Grove Music calls "above all, a great builder of orchestras" and goes on to say he built Cleveland, restored New York and Chicago, and who was famously chosen by Toscanini to rehearse NBCSO, exist today? Who are those people?

[springrite]

No, I don't think a conductor can take a pistol to rehearsal anymore.

[MishaK]

No, I don't think a conductor can take a pistol to rehearsal anymore.

I'm sure it's legal in some states these days. 

[springrite]

I'm sure it's legal in some states these days. 

Yeah, places like Texas you mean? I know in California you can only bring it for drive-bys.

[Grazioso]

I'm sure it's legal in some states these days. 

48 states issue concealed carry permits.

[Lethevich]

They... sort of... did it in Malaysia, despite not being a classical music mecca the project went well due to substantial investment.

[Grazioso]

They... sort of... did it in Malaysia, despite not being a classical music mecca the project went well due to substantial investment.

The Malaysian PO sounds darn good to my ears here: