Welcome to the ACO Blog!

Welcome to the Atlantic Classical Orchestra's very own blog! This is a "brave new world" for the ACO and I hope that it will be a truly positive experience for everyone- those that actually post as well as those that take the time to read the information and opinions expressed.

Why, you may ask, does a professional chamber orchestra need a blog? This is a legitimate question and one that I pondered long and hard before I embarked upon this project. To me, the answer to that question is twofold. First of all, it is a legitimate way of communicating to our patrons and the community at large. This is NOT a cheap marketing ploy designed by a Machiavellian mind. It is a sincere effort by the staff, musicians and volunteers of the ACO to share with others information about our orchestra and to let them know who we are as individuals, musicians and professionals. As in everything that we do as human beings, our inner intentions inform and guide our outer actions, and our intent in this blog is communication and sharing.

Secondly, and much more importantly in my view, is a chance to express our philosophies on music and orchestras and why it is that we exist as an organization. Speaking personally, as a orchestra manager I am distressed by the obsession in the arts and non-profit community with lucre and fundraising. Yes, we need enough money to operate, but no, it is not our raison d'etre. To borrow a Biblical phrase (sorry, Matthew), "You cannot serve music and mammon." Again, our inner intentions inform all of our outward actions, and I want our patrons and the community at large to understand the philosophy that ultimately is behind all that we do as an organization.

Finally, as music (and all great art) is not created in a vacuum, we hope to show the underlying links between great art and the great thoughts and ideas of mankind.

Weighty issues, these, and we hope that you join us in the conversation.

Enjoy!

Larry