Soundcheck

Vienna's Band of Men

After decades of being an all-male bastion, the renowned Vienna Philharmonic made a decision to admit women into its ranks in 1997. Still, it has shown very little change, hiring only six women to date. As the orchestra arrives at Carnegie Hall this week, we’re joined by the Katie Binns, a Vienna-based journalist who recently investigated the orchestra's hiring practices.

The Vienna Philharmonic, through its U.S. spokesperson, offers the following clarification to our segment: "The audition practices used by the Vienna Philharmonic are typical and standard for most orchestras. The statement that the Vienna Philharmonic practice was unique only to them is false."

Regarding funding, the orchestra adds it does not receive a government subsidy but rather "a specific payment each year to cover one special full orchestra concert, chamber music performances, and special activities, all as requested by the government."

Vienna Philharmonic's Web site

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Where are all the women conductors?

Women have attained prominence in most every area of classical music excepting on the conductor's podium. Only last fall did the first major American orchestra hire a women as its full-time music director, when conductor Marin Alsop arrived at the Baltimore Symphony. Washington Post chief classical music critic Anne Midgette examines the current state of affairs.

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Georgie James Live

When the group Georgie James formed two years ago, drummer-guitarist John Davis was keeping the beat for a Washington D.C.-area punk group. Pianist Laura Burhenn was a singer-songwriter. The duo combined their very different talents for a debut CD of catchy power pop called "Places." Burhenn and Davis join us for a live performance -- and they reveal just who this "Georgie James" is.

Georgie James Web site

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