Classical Music: CSO prez to retire this June

Friday, January 11, 2008

CSO prez to retire this June

It seems like big news always seems to happen when I'm away for a couple of days... After 37 years, CSO president Steven Monder has announced his retirement. Even though Paavo Jarvi and Erich Kunzel are the "face" of the orchestra, the most powerful figure behind the scenes is Monder, who has had the longest tenure of any orchestra executive director in the country. As the board begins a search for a new leader, what qualities do you think should be most desirable for the president's office of the symphony?

25 Comments:

at 1/12/2008 12:43:00 AM

Anonymous said...

First of all, his departure is about twenty years overdue. The list of "accomplishments" in today's article are remarkable only in their lack of remarkable qualities. If Cincy weren't such a nice place, Mr. Monder would have been shown the door a generation ago. He is, and has been for some time, rather a joke among his peers. Let us hope that the board selects someone with the ability to do more than simply hang around for 37 long years.

at 1/12/2008 01:51:00 PM

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 12:43:00a.m., you're in excellent acerbic form regarding Mr. Monder. Blame it on Cincy's niceness!

at 1/12/2008 06:07:00 PM

Anonymous said...

We were invited to suggest qualifications for the position, not to publicly trash a good man. What's the point of attacking someone as he retires? Respect and courtesy is not "niceness". We look to the future with positive expectations building on the orchestra's solid foundation.

at 1/12/2008 11:01:00 PM

Anonymous said...

The previous writer's courteous comment notwithstanding, I would point out that Ms. Gelfand's question is not really the right one; it assumes people who read this blog have a reasonable idea of what orchestra adminstrative leaders, such as Mr. Monder, do. As someone who has worked in the field for a time, I can tell you that most people don't really know what Mr. Monder does, or should have been doing. I actually worked in the CSO's administration for several years, and I would have to agree with the first commenter re: Mr. Monder's accomplishments and the low regard with which he is held in the industry. Also, my source in the orchestra office--someone who has worked there for more than a decade--tells me that the senior staff is terribly worried about their own positions. Even they understand that the orchestra's administrative performance, especially in the areas of fund-raising, ticket sales and community reputation, is below that of other like-sized orchestras. They understand that a competent new leader will likely clean house in short order.

During my time at the orchestra, we used to say, without much humor, I'm afraid, that the best way to get along with Mr. Monder was not to bother him with problems. He didn't like it when people gave him bad news, and would literally turn away from staff members who were attempting to bring unpleasant facts to his attention. He seemed to wander the halls aimlessly, chatting up the secretaries. It was really rather sad, actually. I wish him a peaceful retirement.

at 1/12/2008 11:15:00 PM

Anonymous said...

Again, the point is to offer suggestions on the future, not a bitter tear-down of past performance. That serves no purpose. Let it go, and look forward to new leadership. Whether those assessments are accurate or not, it is not productive to list past problems at this point. Let's wish him well and move on.

at 1/13/2008 12:35:00 AM

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking of what Peter Gelb is doing at the Metropolitan Opera. So, I would like to see a General Manager who will be not only an administrator but also a public figure, representing and promoting the orchestra on a daily basis. I also think we need someone who can persuade the players that they need to be connecting with the public much more often. Look at the success of the CSO's Lakota concert and the CCO's St. Cecilia concert last fall. I regularly attend the CSO, and I can connect the names and faces of the players in many cases. When I mentioned to a former orchestra member that not being able to do that in every case frustrates me, she was amazed that I care. But, the more connected I feel, the more likely I am to attend and enjoy concerts.

at 1/13/2008 11:38:00 AM

Anonymous said...

My only comment is that the CSO is losing the most valuable member of its team. His dedication and expertise has kept the orchestra on a much steadier financial path than most other orchestras while at the same time maintaining its excellence as a musical institution.

This man cares about his orchestra and everyone involved, no matter how tiny the connection. For example, his attendance at last summer's funeral of a well-loved Music Hall security guard was certainly not part of his job, but he cared enough to be there. She was a member of his Music Hall family.

The team he has assembled will, as declared by the board, continue on in the capable direction he has set in motion.

He will be a tough act to follow. Cincinnati owes him a vote of thanks.

at 1/13/2008 01:33:00 PM

Anonymous said...

Actually, he will be a very easy act to follow, as our city will see shortly after his replacement has settled in.

at 1/13/2008 02:55:00 PM

Anonymous said...

To the very kind person who noted Steven Monder's attendance at the security guard's funeral: Yes, he was there. She was a sweet woman who everyone knew. His attendance at the funeral was nice, to be sure. However, what most people don't know is that Steve does not extend the same concern for members of the orchestra, many of whom have been ill, injured or even had their careers ended under his leadership, most of whom never even hear from him.

Before the town gets all carried away with enconiums for the guy, let's please understand that his leadership has caused much pain, not the least of which is the drastic reduction in the size of the orchestra, a devastating blow to the artistic integrity of the ensemble and its reputation around the country.

I appreciate that people are uncomfortable hearing such things about someone they think they know, and I appreciate the earlier writer's suggestion that we just let it all go and think nice thoughts until the new person is in place. But I would ask that writer, when IS the right time to draw the community's attention to the failings of a community leader? It's not as though he runs for re-election; input from the orchestra is never solicited when his contract is renewed (not that the orchestra is told when it is renewed), and speaking out publicly has been shown to be harmful to ones financial well-being in the organization.

Sorry, kind people, it's just the way it is.

at 1/13/2008 04:31:00 PM

Anonymous said...

I have to say that what a blessing to see monder go....The mans salary is almost $500K a year...you can look it up on guidestar if you have doubts....and the CSO is a non-profit! Outrageous...
Let's hope he is not kept on as a "consultant" in picking his replacement and paid more money he does not earn.....

at 1/13/2008 06:28:00 PM

Anonymous said...

I have to say as an insider....monder is a royal A-hole. The man is about as friendly as a chia pet to the common person. If you can do something for him or it will look good for him to converse with you then you are in...if not.... he could care less. What a legacy to leave behind...I for one think it is good the truth comes out because many people think he is the patron saint of the CSO and nothing could be further from the truth!

at 1/13/2008 09:04:00 PM

Anonymous said...

WOW. I suppose somewhere in here is the true. As a long time member I'm amazed at what I've read here. Perhaps I've missed the boat. Anyway, one thing that Steve has that is essential for his replacement is a love of the art and the music and the orchestra. It'd be very easy to get a bottom liner in and the art goes out the door. It's my opinion that Steve has held the line on downsizing etc. One has to remember, he works for the board, they don't work for him. Don't get me wrong---a more dynamic personality might be nice but things could get worse.

at 1/13/2008 09:56:00 PM

Anonymous said...

He is the classic example of someone who gets tenure and then becomes comfortable and lackluster. For $400K+ a year we should get energetic, likable personality, someone whose passion is not even in question. This is long long over due.

at 1/14/2008 08:34:00 AM

Anonymous said...

Mr. Monder is a most intelligent and capable manager, whose personal insecurities mask a genuine sensitivity and caring about people. He's also a wise politician, who understands the grand gesture and the value of good PR. His preference to work behind the scenes has no doubt lost the orchestra a number of fundraising opportunities and a more active part in the economic development of the community. While the orchestra will no doubt benefit from a change in leadership and a shake-up of the staff, Mr. Monder should be praised for his accomplishments on behalf of the orchestra during his long tenure.

at 1/14/2008 10:52:00 AM

Anonymous said...

Much was accomplished during Mr. Monder's tenure of 37 years in an industry that has being experiencing many changes and is struggling on many fronts. I think the accomplishments speak for themselves-numerous tours both foreign and domestic,Riverbend,several changes in artistic leadership that was accomplished during his tenure as seamlessly as possible, as well as many other things that have already been documented elswhere. There were also many opportunities that were not capitalized on, but this could be said about any leader of an organization who served as long as he has.
It is a tough position to be the head of a symphony. You have so many consituencies pulling in different directions you have to keep happy-ongoing financial supporters and contributors, finding new sponsers, an everchanging board of directors, artists on staff and visting guest artists, keeping old customers happy and trying to attract new ones, as well as being focused on the bottom line-the list goes on and on.
The future of the Sypmhony falls on the shoulders of the board of directors and not on what Mr. Monder did or did not do in the past. I hope they view their job in the selection of the next president as setting the stage for the next generation of concert goers and supporters of this organzation.Hopefully someone with a business background who understands more deeply the ramifications of a profit and loss statement as well as the marketing needed to expand a customer base is at the top of their list. One chapter in the history of the CSO is closing and another is begining. The best days can still be ahead for the CSO.

Steve Deiters/Oakley

at 1/14/2008 04:45:00 PM

Anonymous said...

Excellent Steve Deiters, we feel the same-every exec in this beautiful city would have darts thrown at them, no one is perfect, and many have not had to face the public with as many problems in their daily duties. Musicians are not easy to deal with and often are visibly shaken with artistic decisions, even a Maestro's, but the music must go on. Certainly Mr Monder had much to do with calming hurt feelings and going on to a performance and meeting the public.

There is no need for the horrible outpouring of the first few blogs that might make the writer feel better??
Watch for a successor, see what that will bring.eM

at 1/15/2008 11:29:00 AM

Anonymous said...

Like it or not, part of being a leader is making decisions that are not always popular. To those criticizing Mr. Monder, consider that his job was to make the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra a success. He has done that. Classical music is not something that mainstream America tends to embrace, yet he has assembled a fantastic staff, a top notch orchestra, and provided this city with something in which it can truly take pride.

His creation of the Cincinnati Pops ensures that audiences of all ages will be able to enjoy great music, while the CSO has maintained the grandeur that is Classical Music in a classical hall.

I sincerely hope his replacement will be able to transition Cincinnati into the next generation as successfully as he has. We would be very lucky to get another person like Mr. Monder. Someone with a dream, a vision, and a plan of action who is not afraid of what other people think.

at 1/15/2008 04:35:00 PM

Anonymous said...

The President of the CSO is an extension of the Board. Those who feel Monder did not do "this" or "that" misplace their concerns. The biggest mistake, in my opinion, is the failure to devote sufficient resources to build the audience for the future among school children (the current symphony education programs, nothwithstanding). This failure is a fatal one that should be put in the lap of the Board. Misplaced priorities, such as national and international touring, do little or nothing to build an audience in this community of those who feel the symphony is something that should be perpetuated for the the common good. Put the blame for the symphony's plight where it belongs!

at 1/16/2008 08:28:00 PM

Anonymous said...

The "fatal failure", I believe, falls in the lap of the Board of Education and in our homes for that matter. Let's face it, we're a Game Boy society and it's not just the CSO that suffers.

at 1/17/2008 04:43:00 PM

Anonymous said...

The Board of Education is not responsible for building an audience for the Symphony. As for individual homes, it is still the responsibility of the CSO Board to make sure there is an audience for the Symphony's concerts, now and for the future! The CSO Board must be held to account for its misplaced priorities.

at 1/18/2008 09:14:00 AM

Anonymous said...

My understanding of the original 'fatal failure' reference of 1/15 was that the CSO is responsible for music education of our children.Of course, many of us know of the many education and outreach programs the CSO already does in this regard. However, fundamentally, this should be going on in schools across the nation and it isn't.

at 1/18/2008 11:11:00 AM

Anonymous said...

The "fatal failure" comment says ..."the failure to devote sufficient resources to build the audience for the future, among school children..." Your understanding is incorrect! The failure, again, is misplaced priorities by the CSO Board.

at 1/20/2008 05:56:00 PM

Anonymous said...

No, no the failure is indeed in the schools and at home. Arts education for my children is indeed MY job and I expect to see it in their schools ( and I do because we've sought out those types of schools). I do not expect the CSO to be the main supplier of that education. The fact that the CSO DOES provide substantial educational opportunities is just value add for the community. If anyone thinks there needs to be more---get out your checkbooks or call to volunteer.More is always welcome.

at 2/11/2008 05:27:00 PM

Anonymous said...

Having known Steve Monder for over 40 years and as a great manager in very few respects, I must say as the late Judy Aroon has stated, " He couldn't make a decision if you held a gun to his head."

Steve has done a handful of very good things and I applaud him for that, however, in running the Symphony a tactic he loves is to start rumors about people and when it circulates throughout the office and gets everyone on his side, he then finds reason to fire them.

That's very sad and pathetic.

Steve, good by, good luck and stay far away. Far, far away.

I wish you well, Steve.

Your Crony,
MD

at 2/11/2008 05:41:00 PM

Anonymous said...

Here is how Steve Monder works. He tells his very capable secretary what needs to be done. She works hard and gets it done and then Steve takes the credit.

The orchestra is supposed to play in China next summer. Steve is handling it. Guess what will happen? Stay tuned and don't hold your breathe.

Stop walking the halls pining for attention, Steve.

You are a good man with serious flaws.

Good luck in your retirement. I truly wish you the best.

Always,
The Entire Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra organization

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Friday, January 11, 2008

CSO prez to retire this June

25 Comments: