Hello! Welcome to International Arts Manager‘s brand new blog. As with the rest of our magazine, the team’s mission here at IAM is to provide you with advice, with inspiration, and to give you a vital glimpse into what the rest of arts industry is getting up to and what direction the performance world is going in.
So to get things started, we spoke to some top artist managers from around the world to get their take on where the arts are headed – and who might be the next big star…
Mark Stephan Buhl – Mark Stephan Buhl Artists Management – Austria
What are some highlights for you in the coming seasons?
A number of nice larger orchestra projects and a special project with Christian Lindberg, among others.
What has been the most challenging part of the past year?
Dealing with many short notice cancellations, austerity measures of presenters and subsequent budget cuts.
Who do you feel is a rising star to watch?
Martin Kuuskmann, Alissa Margulis, Daniil Trifonov, Sebastian Manz, Nils Mönkemeyer, Benjamin Moser, Miró Quartet, Avi Avital, Jamie Walton… and many more.
Emma-Jane Stokely – Konzertdirektion Schmid – UK
What’s been your highlight of 2012-13?
Watching Ryan Wigglesworth conducting Harrison Birtwistle’s The Minotaur at Royal Opera House (for an indisposed Antonio Pappano). A thrill to see him get to work on a massive score.
What has been the most difficult part of 2012-13?
The passing of the company’s founder, Hans Ulrich Schmid. A great entrepreneur and inspired leader. A huge loss, but massive admiration for Cornelia Schmid who demonstrates a determination and tenacity to move the company forward.
What’s the biggest opportunity for you and /or the sector?
When you are out in the field and bump into fellow managers, it’s great (and possible!) to converse, exchange information and talk to each other. Many of these are the younger generation who are being promoted to the tops of their companies. Let the business grow with these positive and productive managers.
Who do you feel is a rising star to watch?
Conductor Dima Slobodeniouk. He has secured his first music director job with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia. There is an air of excitement within the orchestra and its management and it has created a buzz that sees another young conductor developing in the right direction.
Where was the most interesting venue you’ve travelled to this year for a performance?
Coventry Cathedral for a performance of Britten’s War Requiem on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its premiere which had been conducted by the composer himself. This concert was conducted by Andris Nelsons and the CBSO – it was a poignant and inspired performance in this amazing building.
James Dudek – Classical Management – Norway
What are some highlights for you in the coming seasons?
Planning a world tour of long lost Ole Bull masterpiece, Norges Fjelde. The world premiere was on 28 May with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra at Bergen International Festival.
What’s the biggest challenge facing your company?
Booking enough engagements to stay in business.
Who do you feel is a rising star to watch?
Of course mentioning your own artist is smart here; my youngest pianist Julie Yuqing Ye and my violinist Annar Follesø. There is no better virtuoso violinist in Norway at the moment.
Where was the most interesting venue you’ve travelled to this year for a performance?
I saw Leif Ove Andsnes perform with Concertgebouw Orchestra in the Oslo Opera House with Mariss Jansons conducting. WOW!
