Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Former members of the Washington Ballet orchestra picketing outside the Ballet on Wisconsin Ave
The noise coming from Wisconsin Avenue Thursday afternoon was unusually beautiful as drivers honked in solidarity while members of the Washington Ballet orchestra performed a roadside concert. Actually, the performers were former members of the orchestra, and that’s precisely why they were protesting outside of the headquarters of the Washington Ballet.
For more than three decades, an integral part of the Washington Ballet’s performances of “The Nutcracker” has been live music. But if the Washington Ballet has its way, this will be the second consecutive year that the orchestra won’t be in the pit, but instead taped music will be used. The ticket prices for “The Nutcracker” have not dropped, nor are customers made aware that live music is no longer a part of the program.
Musicians picketing the Washington Ballet
According to J. Bitner of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), “There is nothing in their advertisements that states the dancers will be dancing to canned music. It’s almost a bait-and-switch. And in a way, it’s almost insulting to the audience to think they won’t be able to know the difference. I think any audience member recognizes clearly when they’re listening to recorded music and when they’re listening to live music, and it goes across all genres… At least if the Washington Ballet was up front about the advertising of what they were getting, then people could make an educated decision about where they’re going to spend their dollars.”