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Rooted in Black music history in the Americas and worldwide.

Going beyond Western Europe traditions, often influenced by folk music.

Drawing from traditional music of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and more.

Delving into traditional music of Native Americans and other First Nations.

Surveying traditional music of Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Exploring traditional music cultures from around the world.

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about Detroit Symphony contract negotiations.

I'd not seen this tally in quite a while; would be interesting also to see a version weighted by salary vs. cost-of-living in the various cities. Keep in mind as well that almost no one makes minumum salary, except perhaps first-year section string players. Principal players can easily earn 100% more, and many players also earn additional income from teaching and other gigs.

Source: International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians

John Birge has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.


John Birge

Interesting list from a Detroit Free Press article about Detroit Symphony contract negotiations. I’d not seen this tally in quite a while; would be interesting also to see a version weighted by salary vs. cost-of-living in the various cities. Keep in mind as well that almost no one makes minumum salary, except perhaps first-year section […]


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