See new posts below, 8/17/09:
PEORIA -- Here's an odd event: the new chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts has promised to visit Peoria soon, to see its arts scene.
That's after he stuck his foot into his mouth and knocked Peoria, then was bowled over by the predictable reaction.
Here's the story from the CultureGirl blog.
What will he find?
1. A mediocre theater scene. Locals try, but can't match Chicago quality.
2. The premier arts group, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, in turmoil, after firing its popular music director/conductor and slating a list of what appear to be mediocrities to try out for his position. And in an odd piece in the Sunday Journal Star, critic Gary Panetta writes how the new music director must be all things to all people, but will not be required to live in the community, and likely will take on Peoria as a second or third job.
3. A city council that allows any developer or entity to destroy historic buildings of architectural significance, and is considering cutting the public library's budget significantly, even after voters approved bonds to expand the library system. And it's also cutting out funding for ArtsPartners, an organization formed to promote the arts.
On the bright side: the popular symphony music director/conductor David Commanday, is heading up a new classical music group, Heartland Festival Orchestra, which promises to be innovative. It's first concert is Aug. 27. (see previous stories under Peoria Symphony category, right.)
-- Elaine Hopkins
UPDATE 8/17/09. Here's a new post on Peoria from CultureGirl:
And here's an exchange with blog reader Perry Johnson:
I read your blog posting about the NEA’s director visit to Peoria and noticed some inaccuracies. Specifically:
Arts Partners: There has been no final decision by the City Council regarding their funding. It is certainly fair to say it is in jeopardy, but no conclusion has been reached yet. I hope the council will recognize Arts Partners for what it is, a worthwhile investment and extend their funding for this year.
Theater scene: Have you actually been to Corn Stalk, EastLight, or Peoria Players? The purpose of these organizations is not to directly compete with Chicago’s theater organizations, but bring quality entertainment to Peoria. If you had actually been to any of these you would not brand them “mediocre.” They are quality organizations run by volunteers that have existed here for decades---for a good reason. They are good at what they do.
Historic buildings: The City of Peoria has a historic preservation commission that works closely with an organization I belong to, Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation. Far from being a rubber stamp for wanton development, the commission has successfully saved several important sites, most recently on the near north side. Your presumption about their mission and intent is wrong, and you ought to check your facts first before you judge and condemn these people and their efforts.
Peoria Symphony: It is well known that you publicly advocated David Commanday’s retention as Symphony director through SOS. You state that the symphony is in “disarray” and the seven candidates are “mediocrities.” Neither of these assumptions on your part are factual, and the reality seems to be that you are using this blog post to continue to spread your sour grapes about Commanday’s dismissal. Like it or not, the PSO Board’s decision is final and for the betterment of our performing arts in Peoria and the community at large it’s time to look forward and let go of your past resentment.
It is also apparent that you have not actually examined the qualifications of the seven finalists, and if you had, you would have realized that they have excellent credentials and are more than well qualified for this position. And your statement that the PSO is in “disarray” is only your biased opinion without any basis in fact. Nothing could be further from the truth, and contrary to what you may think, the PSO’s Board made a courageous and controversial decision to protect the long term viability of their organization by seeking a music director that was more aligned with their vision and strategic long term interests.
I do not see how our arts community benefits from your posting of erroneous and misleading information. More than ever, it is essential that all of us who care about the long term viability of our community and these local organizations advocate redemptive solutions that lift our community up and look forward, not live with past resentments that cannot be changed or to make presumptious and judgmental statements that are not fact based. In that respect, perhaps you should advocate a more redemptive approach that involves fact checking and a forward thinking approach. I hope that you will reconsider your past approaches that mislead and lend a hand to our arts community, not point a finger.
Perry A. Johnson
And my response:
Please note that this blog piece is opinion. It's not erroneous or misleading, and I believe my opinions are based on fact.
Arts Partners: It's clearly in jeopardy.
Theater scene: My husband and I have been very disappointed with the local theater scene. The last few plays we have seen have been terrible. We left at the intermission at one, and felt another was badly done. We will still see some productions, but as I said they're not on the level with Chicago.
Historic buildings. Check out my website on the UU Church destruction. An architecturally significant, historically significant building is gone forever, and for what? A parking lot. City let it happened. It could have stopped it but was afraid to confront Methodist Med Center. Now it's allowing the destruction of the block next to the Hotel Pere Marquette. And even paying to let it happen. Historic preservation only occurs in Peoria in the easy cases, when no one objects.
Symphony. Yes, I support Commanday. He's a terrific music director/conductor. The Symphony Board is nuts to lose his fans. When 1,000 people sign petitions to keep him, the board should listen. I have heard that only 1/5th of the season ticket holders have renewed. Ticket sales will tell the tale, won't they. And that list of prospective conductors -- they're unknown characters. Maybe they're great, maybe not. None appears to be in Commanday's league. And why should anyone trust the board's judgment?
-- Elaine Hopkins
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