I really don't understand the problem with changing conductors after almost 20 years with the same one. I would think that Uri Barnia of the Billings Symphony would want to move on to other opportunities and advance his career.

Barnea has built his career in Billings. He has a family and kids in school that he doesn't want to uproot. Not every conductor wants to travel the world. Yes, it limits his opportunities but that's the way it appears he wants it.

Cheryl

Well, it seems that too many people got too comfortable with Barnea. change is always good. it challengs us to rise to the occassion and perhaps the musicians were getting a bit tired of him but were afraid to say anything.

Does Barnea ever travel to conduct other orchestras? If not, that limits his ability to improve on his skills when he doesn't have the opportunity to work with other musicians in varying diverse programs.

Perhaps he is just playing it safe?

Forrester "Mac" McNeil

Barnea has done a great job but he got too comfortable. If I was a musician playing under him for so long, I would get a bit complacent, and bored. I wouldn't feeled challenged. I wouldn't feel that the programming is challenging enough because it is the same type of programming conceived by the same person, every year.

Barry Turner

Barnea's out. Board is not going to reconsider otherwise they might all resign. and that could really impact the orchestra as a whole for the next year or so. doesn't the community understand this? so, if most of them don't remember any other conductor, they become too comfortable. time for a change I say.

It will be interesting to see how the local community greets the new music director when he/she is appointed.

With all the negative press, perhaps those most qualified might might think twice about applying. That would be the greatest tragedy, both for the community and the musicians.

Although in this tight market I would think that many would see it as a great challenge and a stepping stone to other opportunities once they establish themselves and succeed in turning the attitude of the community in their favor.

Regardless, it will be an uphill battle.

Forrester "Mac" McNeil

Time to move on. If the musicians really don't want Barnea anymore, he should move on. Let him commute from to other cities or guest conduct for the next year or so before he uproots his family.

Barry Turner

I could not believe the symphony board's announcement of not offering Uri Barnea a contract for the 2004-2005 concert season. Barnea's dedication to music, the symphony and the community of Billings is of the highest caliber. (Later I learned that this major decision was made with only two-thirds of the symphony board present.)

The outpouring of support for Barnea as expressed in the numerous letters to the local papers that I read is solid testimony to his musical expertise and generous contributions to the symphony and the Billings community. After reading those many letters, I thought for sure that the board would reconsider its decision.


Then after the petitions that were signed by over 700 supporters prior to the symphony on Oct. 11, I thought for sure the board would reconsider its decision. Again that did not happen.

Sadly I read the president's statement in the Oct. 24 Gazette that the symphony board will not revisit the decision to renew Barnea's contract for the upcoming season.

Truly, boards can make any decision. But it is imperative that boards listen to their constituents. The symphony board must listen to this outpouring and acknowledge that the majority supports Barnea and wants him to continue as conductor.

I wonder what needs to happen in order for the board to realize their decision is not in the best interests of the majority of the greater Billings community.

Henrietta Schlossberg

this is getting ridiculous. the guy is gone. they are not going to let him come back. the community needs to deal with it and move on. then, when the new conductor arrives, tix sales will take a slight dip the first year and then in 2 yrs people will be saying, "Uri who?"

The Symphony Board cannot tell the people of Billings why they've made their decision about Uri Barnea's contract. It's not arrogance, amateurism, secrecy or unwillingness - it's the law! It's illegal for the board to share Uri's personnel file with the musicians as well. If any of that file became public knowledge (as many "we're for Uri" supporters have angrily demanded), here's what would happen: Uri's attorney would sue the Billings Symphony for all it's worth, then each board member would be named in a civil suit for violating Uri's privacy.

Forrester "Mac" McNeil