Getting criticized by a critic is, well, par for the course when you're in the business of entertaining. There's a reason many artists, especially actors, don't read reviews of their performances - can't let that fluff get you down. But occasionally, when a review is just plain unfair, it warrants a response. After all, if a critic gets to put their opinion out there, then so should we.
But first, here's an article printed on SanDiego.com singing the praises of Orchestra Nova's season opener on Friday night, Mozart's Very Best:
http://www.sandiego.com/arts/orchestra-nova-opens-with-stylish-mozart
The original title of the Union Tribune (U-T) article written by newly-minted critic James Chute on Friday night titled "Entering The Nova World Proves A Painful Experience" was published not once, but twice, in both the Saturday and Sunday editions of the U-T! At least they toned it down for the online version on SignOnSanDiego.com to "Are You (Orchestra Nova) Experienced?"
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/oct/15/orchestra-nova-san-diego-classical/
Another oddity is that the U-T has pulled a recent article with a positive tone - an interview with Jung-Ho written by Mr. Chute and published in the Night & Day section last Thursday. As of Saturday, it no longer exists online [Note: they put this article back up on Friday, October 22].
We chose to respond by sending a letter to the editor at the Union Tribune - we'll find out soon enough if they have the guts to publish it. All's fair in love and war...and, truly, no hard feelings toward Chute, but we just want to let the world know that we are so much more than meets the critic's eye.
Our letter to the Union Tribune:
http://www.orchestranova.org/orchestra_nova_gets_it_right.shtml
We have had an outpouring of support from our fans in the last week and we deeply appreciate all your kind words. Many of you said you also planned to write a letter to the editor and we would love it if you sent your letters to us as well (we won't publish anything without your consent): marketing@orchestranova.org
How was your experience at Mozart's Very Best? Please write your comments, suggestions and criticisms in the space provided below - we want to hear from you all!
Sincerely,
The Orchestra Nova Team
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As you pointed out, there wasn't much in the way of criticism. Chute editorialized the concert with the most meager hint of observation. I checked out several other reviews he has published in the last several months. Whether positive or negative, they seem true to form: plenty of editorializing without the benefit of supporting observations. Google some of them up to see for yourself. There's not much to actually go on there unless you're a Chute fan and wish to trust his judgment.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the review from 15 October by James Chute on Orchestra Nova
ReplyDeleteEditor,
Most San Diego classical music fans, like myself, have been enthused by the transformation of the San Diego Chamber Orchestra into “Orchestra Nova” over the past several years. The move to QUALCOMM’s acoustically phenomenal auditorium with its multi-media capabilities, was a sign of a focus on quality. Likewise, the signing of Jung-Ho Pak as director signaled a focus on the future
After attending the “Best of Mozart” season opener at the QUALCOMM venue, I was baffled by Jim Chute’s review of the concert the prior evening. Not only were the selections of the more sublime of Mozart’s gems (rather than the 40th symphony and Eine Kliene Nactmusik Pak selected the Clarinet Concerto and the Jupiter), but Frank Renk’s interpretation of the concerto was terrific; especially the Adagio movement. It drew a standing ovation. Maestro Pak went through the thematic elements of the Jupiter - including showing a highlighted version of the original manuscript on the background screen - and went on to demonstrate these elements in what was instructive and pleasing those of us in the audience. Finally, the Jupiter added a tremendous acoustically dynamic and vibrant excitement to the orchestra’s performance.
You would have missed all this if you had relied on Mr. Chute’s review, which was primarily about some issues he had with the program material provided for the season rather than the selection and musical performance itself. It’s particularly bizarre that a music critic would review a concert that featured a concerto without any mention on his view - positive or negative - of the soloist. From the smarmy reference to Jimmy Hendrix, to his profound lack of musical appreciation, he completely missed this time. The interaction with the audience and verve of performance were beyond evident; they were tremendous.
Mark Kelley
I really find it quite hard for me to bite my tongue until I realized James and I attended different concerts. I write material for Naxos quite a large distributor of classical material in the United States so my knowledge isn't coming from Music Appreciation 101 classes. I've listened to recordings for over 50 years and I can say without reservation that this was one of the finer performances I've heard in years. The church acoustics did nothing but enhance the warm tonal quality of Frank's clarinet. Completely gone was the clinical sterile sound I've heard on so many recordings I have. Yes, I had the advantage of being able to sit practically on top of the orchestra thanks to friends and I've heard all three works on many occasions which makes a good performance easier to recognize. But even in the worst seat with no experience I found the entire experience a breath of fresh air compared to concerts I've attended in Boston, New York, St. Paul and Minneapolis.I never spoke once to any orchestra member except for an usher who usually point to your seat. The fourth movement of the "Jupiter" was as fine a performance as I've ever heard and the work of Renk is not too far behind. It would have made a fine Naxos recording if they had chosen to record that evening. The interaction between the members and the audience did nothing but further enhance the experience. I left feeling that it was a positive experience. My friend who is attempting to learn classical music was completely captivated by just watching Pak's enthusiasm conducting, especially the symphony. At a recent doctor visit I had the excess wax removed from my ears and I would suggest that James does the same. Your hearing really improves. They can invite me to attend anytime and I could not find a nicer way to spend an evening.
ReplyDeleteAs a long time and ardent supporter of Orchestra Nova I was deeply disappointed in Mr. Chute's gross misrepresentation of the concert and the Orchestra Nova experience. For one thing - he didn't even mention the Clarinet Concerto which dominated the first half of the evening. It makes one wonder if perhaps Mr. Chute might not have been paying close attention to the musical concert and more involved bashing the program and volunteers' scarfs.
ReplyDeleteI have brought many friends who have never experience classical music to an Orchestra Nova concert. At the end of the evening they have a wonderful appreciation for classical music and become fans of the art form. In the future I will continue to bring my friends to Orchestra Nova concerts - secure in the knowledge that they will have a truly memorable Orchestra Nova experience.
It was a mean, petty and tone deaf review. Perhaps Mr. Chute has a personal grudge against Maestro Jung Ho Pak or maybe he was left out of his high school orchestra. Either way, his review was not remotely representative of the outstanding music that we enjoy when we come to Orchestra Nova concerts. I wonder if Mr. Chute went to a different concert?
ReplyDeleteI remember the UT was all praises for the clown that other orchestra in town hired in the middle of the "audition season". Ever since then I've ignored everything the UT prints about music. Just read this review, I will continue to ignore everything the UT prints.
ReplyDeleteWe could not disagree more with Mr. Chute and were puzzled by his odd criticisms. We attended the Friday night concert at St. Paul's and considered it a stellar performance. We like the orchestra's efforts to modernize the experience of classical music. Jung Ho Pak is energetic and likable and the players are warm and welcoming when they come off the stage to greet the audience. We have been subscribers since Jung Ho took over and we do not intend to miss a single performance.
ReplyDeleteAlyce & Michael Archuleta
Sincere Admirers of Orchestra Nova
I don't know what Mr. Chute was expecting; but I apparently went to the same concert and had a wonderfully enjoyable experience. I even brought two friends who also enjoyed the experience. When I read Chute's review I was shocked; wondered if he actually was at the same concert. The general consensus was pure enjoyment. We need to replace Mr. Chute with someone who can at least hear.
ReplyDeleteOrchestra Nova has absolutely triumphed in the musical world of San Diego. Considering the much more affluent Symphony and Opera are generally clinging to the tired models of classical music delivery, Orchestra Nova is opening up brand new experiences to brand new consumers! We have to look forward in this business. Who will keep classical music presentations alive in the future? Both sides of this story need to take a deep breath, and understand it's ok to criticize and it's ok to experiment and work on the edge.
ReplyDeleteWhy even bother to react to Mr. Chute’s opinion and feed the negativity? Say thank you and be on your way to the next great performance of the Orchestra Nova.
ReplyDeleteI attended the concert in la Jolla on Monday, and based on all the comments here, I suppose the orchestra must have had a off-day then. James Chute was obviously annoyed by the marketing angle of Orchestra Nova, and I can understand that (I personally don't mind it, especially if it proves with time to work bringing in new and younger audience, which was definitely not the case in La Jolla) and as a result excessively trashed the orchestra.
ReplyDeleteIt is his right. He is not a journalist, but a critic. Big difference. Ken Hermann praised it excessively on the other side of the spectrum and nobody seems to object to that...
As far as I am concerned, and based on the La Jolla concert, the truth lies somewhat in the middle. A decent and enjoyable performance, but far from one of the best concert I have heard in this repertoire as some of the comments above suggest. From what I can tell, the problem is not with Jung-Ho Pak who is an interesting conductor and who obviously did his homework by listening and integrating what the so-called historically-informed performers have brought lately to the interpretation of Mozart's music, but rather with the orchestra which is not completely there yet (although I have noticed a huge improvement compared to several years ago).