The Orchestra: A Very Short Introduction considers the structure, roots, and day-to-day functioning of the modern philharmonic society. Far from an anachronistic organization that cannot long survive, it is shown to be powerful political and social force, occupying critical positions in cultural diplomacy, national identity, and civic pride.

'Will fascinate and enthrall anyone interested in music.' Stephen Fry Who dreams of becoming a conductor? What does it take to get there and stay in the game? In Good Hands: The Making of a Modern Conductor invites us to think anew about one of the signature roles in classical music. In a frank, fascinating portrait, Alice Farnham, one of Britain's leading conductors, explores what modern conducting really entails, and what it takes to lead, unite and inspire people. 'Takes readers behind the scenes of the eccentric world of classical music.' Guardian 'Conducting, Alice Farnham writes, is an "elusive art". Her book, part memoir and part study of the craft, pins it down . . . Accessible [and] engaging.' Matthew Giley, New Statesman 'Alice Farnham's enchanting blend of insight, experience, musical understanding, sparkling good sense and intelligence brings alive and demystifies what it is to be a conductor.' Stephen Fry 'Alice Farnham's insightful book is an inspirational tool.' Cate Blanchett

Amidst the heated fray of the Culture Wars emerged a scrappy festival in downtown New York City called Bang on a Can. Presenting eclectic, irreverent marathons of experimental music in crumbling venues on the Lower East Side, Bang on a Can sold out concerts for a genre that had been long considered box office poison. Through the 1980s and 1990s, three young, visionary composers--David Lang, Michael Gordon, and Julia Wolfe--nurtured Bang on a Can into a multifaceted organization with a major record deal, a virtuosic in-house ensemble, and a seat at the table at Lincoln Center, and in the process changed the landscape of avant-garde music in the United States. Bang on a Can captured a new public for new music. But they did not do so alone. As the twentieth century came to a close, the world of American composition pivoted away from the insular academy and towards the broader marketplace. In the wake of the unexpected popularity of Steve Reich and Philip Glass, classical presenters looked to contemporary music for relevance and record labels scrambled to reap its potential profits, all while government funding was imperilled by the evangelical right. Other institutions faltered amidst the vagaries of late capitalism, but the renegade Bang on a Can survived--and thrived--in a tumultuous and idealistic moment that made new music what it is today.

The classical music conductor is considered by many to be the perfect representation of the successful, empowering leader. Leading a classical music orchestra demands exceptional leadership qualities and styles. Twenty-first century thought leaders point out to the importance of interdisciplinary learning as key to leading businesses and other professional fields forward. Knowledge and experiences from leaders in other disciplines open new visions as to the art of leadership. Music & Leadership is a novel leadership concept, answering the current business world call for new concepts and frameworks within which to understand leadership of today and tomorrow. Exploring and discovering leadership through the lens of the classical music conductor and orchestra, the objective of this book is to trigger your ability to think creatively and critically appraise your own leadership style and behavioural patterns and how you can implement lessons learned from this book in your working environment. By looking into the work of the music conductor and orchestra, the executive is offered a new way of thinking about business and leadership.