LA OPERA ORCHESTRA MEMBERS COMMENTS / TORRIE ZITO PASSES / COMMENTS / EVENTS
I. FEATURED COMMENTS FROM LA OPERA ORCHESTRA MEMBERS
II. TORRIE ZITO, PIANIST AND ARRANGER, IS DEAD AT 76
III. COMMENTS
IV. EVENTS
=================
I. FEATURED COMMENTS from LA Opera Orchestra Members
re: Officer meddling in ballet work.
The COMMITTEE received two comments from very concerned LA
Opera Orchestra members about reported attempts made by full-
time Local 47 secretary-treasurer and bassoonist Leslie Lashinsky
to allegedly scuttle work opportunities for the LA Opera
Orchestra. We present these comments in full below:
COMMENT ONE: Received 12/12/09
So if it weren’t enough that Leslie Lashinsky keeps trying OVER
and OVER again to take work away from the union musicians
she is supposed to represent, she is now attempting to block
an entire orchestra from working. LESLIE’S VENGEANCE!!!
The Los Angeles Opera Orchestra has been asked to play the
upcoming Joffrey Ballet’s Cinderella performances, but serious
objections have been raised - NOT by the ballet company, or
union players themselves, but from LESLIE, who in a very, very
minor coincidence plays with a pickup orchestra that also
performs ballet at the Music Center. Yes, that orchestra for
which she has asked permission to play with on occasion.
Hmmmmm…. conflict of interest? Trying to change out the
orchestra for personal gain? Or more?
Why, more! In a second very, very minor coincidence, Leslie
USED to play with the opera orchestra but somehow, like so
many of us with all of our free-lance groups, ended up NOT
becoming a tenured player. Bitter bitter bitter. Is it possible
that this just seemed like a heaven-sent opportunity to strike
back at a group that allegedly rejected her?
Nah, just a concerned Union Secretary doing her duty by all
musicians.
The upshot? The opera orchestra has not yet been hired for
any of the dates, mostly because of Leslie’s involvement.
As well, because of the dispute, they may end up taking a
lower wage than had been initially planned. WAY TO GO, LESLIE!!!!
You’re the freaking BEST!!!
——————————
COMMENT TWO: Received 12/14/09
I’m in the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra. I’ve been playing there
since Topper Smith hired the orchestra to take over from Los
Angeles Chamber Orchestra. I also have known our union secretary,
Leslie Lashinsky for many years. I have never considered her a
problem before. But now she is apparently holding up our
orchestra’s being hired for outside services for no particular
reason except that she feels another orchestra should get the
work instead.
Why? Except for that she plays with this orchestra, it’s hard to
determine. But this shouldn’t matter because she works at the
union, right? There shouldn’t be any favortism. The opera
orchestra has three months entirely off with no rehearsals, no
performances, nothing, so this one week of service is quite
needed by many of us.
I’ve been thinking about writing since Saturday, when the
orchestra was told - sort of - what’s going on in a meeting.
Please publish this - my first comment ever… - and if you can,
dig into what’s going on? I’m sure many of us would like to
know why this is going on, and would like to stop it from
happening again.
——–
WHAT OUR RESEARCH TELLS US
There is a seldom used ballet orchestra collective bargaining agreement,
used only when the Ahmanson decides to do a ballet. It is on the Local 47
website, under ’scales’ in the members only section. (Not easy to get to,
but that’s another issue.) The name of the agreement is Performing Arts
Center of Los Angeles County. Under the Services Covered section:
Services Covered: This Agreement shall apply in full to all services
performed by musicians who are employed by Employer at the Ahmanson
Theatre or the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for ballet productions
produced by Music Center Dance during the term of this Agreement.
Before this contract the L.A. Chamber Orchestra did ballet gigs as extra
work. Then the L.A. Opera orchestra did the same thing. Then the Performing
Arts Center did a contract only for the ballet gigs, which is exclusive. So if
the gig in question is from the Ahmanson, then it is really under that contract,
and other orchestras cannot bid on the work. It’s not up for grabs.
In this case however, according to the musicians we heard from, the Joffrey
approached the LA Opera Orchestra and every one was happy with the
arrangements until the Secretary or another officer got involved. It may
be simple contract enforcement for Secretary Lashinsky
(leslie.lashinsky[at]promusic47.org ) to insist that the correct orchestra perform
the work. even though the Secretary is not in charge of live performance
issues - that would be the vice president,
John Acosta (john.acosta[at]promusic47.org).
Secretary Lashinsky has performed in, and served on the negotiating committee
of this orchestra for a long time. She is probably tenured with this every now
and then orchestra.
Which brings us back to the question that Secretary Lashinsky could fix so
easily, but won’t. Does she intend to perform with the Ballet Orchestra?
From her track record we can expect her to fight to do the gig. Wearing
too many hats, she herself shows once again her own blatant self interest,
and lack of impartiality in conducting the members’ business. And of course,
somewhere there is a rank & file union bassoonist who may have missed a
house payment, or getting health insurance, or being vested in the pension
fund because a union officer took the gig.
BOARD INFORMED
With the first posters’ permission, we forwarded the first comment
to the directors, president and vice-president of Local 47 last
Saturday (12/12/09), letting them know that these comments would
be printed, and that they had a chance to fix the problem at their
board meeting (12/15/09). We’ve seen this “personal gain before
the needs of the membership” before and it should be stopped.
VP Acosta wrote back to the COMMITTEE Tuesday afternoon with the
following response:
———
We have received your email. Our general policy is not to
comment on internal Executive Board deliberations or Local
47 business. However, we can advise you that your information
is false.
Fraternally,
John Acosta
Vice-President
On behalf of the Local 47 Executive Board
———
We also wrote to Secretary Lashinsky for her thoughts.
She did not respond.
———
If our info from the LA Opera orchestra members is false, then
who is holding up the job? Who is responsible, Mr. Acosta?
The musicians of the LA Opera and the entire membership
deserve to know who is meddling in the LA Opera’s affairs.
If not for our dues, no one there would have a job. You work
for US.
The players should be able to confront whomever is responsible
for the hold-up of their booking. Is it the Secretary?
(leslie.lashinsky[at]promusic47.org) the Vice-President?
(john.acosta@promusic47.org). We all deserve to know the answer.
We thank the LA Opera Orchestra Members who wrote to us,
we’re against abuse where ever it happens.
If you are in the LA Opera orchestra, you are well within your rights
to call or email the local and demand the details and origin of the
Local’s or officer’s protest to your working with the Joffrey. When
you find out, please let us know. We know there are many outside
your circle who will want to know.
In the first comment, the writer refers to another group that
the secretary plays with. A few months ago, our board in their
infinite wisdom gave Secretary Lashinsky permission to take
10 (ten) days of work with the American Ballet Theater at the
Music Center.
This may be the group the Secretary or another officer is trying
to get the work for.
This one example shows that one or two people CAN make a
difference when they can be heard, and have a forum through
which they can voice their opinion.
MAKE YOURSELF HEARD!
THE COMMITTEE]
=================
II. TORRIE ZITO, PIANIST AND ARRANGER, IS DEAD AT 76
Torrie Zito, an arranger who collaborated with Tony Bennett, Frank
Sinatra, Bobby Darin, John Lennon and other stars.
The cause was emphysema, his stepson, Alan Merrill, said.
Mr. Zito, who started out as a jazz pianist in the bebop mold
of Bud Powell, found lasting success as an arranger and
orchestrator proficient in a wide variety of styles, with a
special flair for string writing.
After working with Perry Como on his album “Lightly Latin”
(1966) and with the flutist Herbie Mann on “The Herbie Mann
String Album” (1967), to take two examples from early in his
arranging career, he provided the string orchestrations for
the John Lennon album “Imagine.”
This adaptability put him in demand with singers as different
as Morgana King, Liza Minnelli, Carly Simon and the operatic
baritone Samuel Ramey. He also did arranging for Doc Severinsen’s
band on “The Tonight Show.”
His most enduring musical relationship was with Mr. Bennett, who
hired him as a pianist, conductor and arranger in 1967. For the next
seven years, Mr. Zito toured with Mr. Bennett. Their work together
can be heard on more than a dozen Bennett albums, most recently
on “A Swingin’ Christmas,” which was released last year and has been
nominated for a Grammy Award. In an e-mail message, Mr. Bennett
said that Mr. Zito “gave me the greatest musical education I ever had.”
Torrie Zito was born on Oct. 12, 1933, in Utica, N.Y. He was mostly
self-taught as a pianist and while still a teenager began playing in
local clubs, usually as an accompanist.
In his early 20s he moved to Manhattan, where he took classes at
the Manhattan School of Music and came to the attention of the
renowned arranger Marion Evans, who taught him informally.
Mr. Zito’s work with the saxophonist James Moody on the album
“Moody With Strings” (1961) and with Darin on the album “Love
Swings” (1961) led to projects with Mann and with Como on “The
Perry Como Show” and on record. Soon after, he teamed up with
Mr. Bennett.
“I became more interested in the ballad kind of writing for orchestra,
as opposed to jazz band, or even jazz band and orchestra combined,”
Mr. Zito told the writer Les Tomkins in 1974, in an interview that can
now be found on the Web site Jazz Professional. “When I got really
attuned to the orchestral thing, I was greatly influenced by the
Impressionists - Debussy, Ravel, Faure, etc. - and somehow I tried
to marry that within the pop thing.”
His gauzy, Impressionist-influenced arrangements for Ms. King on
the album “A Taste of Honey” (1964) caught the ear of Sinatra, who
hired him to arrange two songs, for a 50-piece orchestra, from the
1965 musical “Skyscraper”: “Everybody Has the Right to Be Wrong”
and “I Only Miss Her When I Think of Her.”
Mr. Zito often collaborated on recordings with his wife, the jazz singer
Helen Merrill, who survives him. In addition to his stepson, Alan, of
Manhattan, his survivors include a brother, the drummer Ronnie Zito,
of Oradell, N.J., and a daughter, Lisa, of Manhattan.
Pop singers venturing into retro territory made a beeline for Mr. Zito,
who did arrangements for Carly Simon’s album “Film Noir” (1997) and
George Michael’s “Songs From the Last Century” (1999). More recently
he did arrangements for Mr. Aiken’s “Merry Christmas With Love” (2004).
==========================
III. COMMENTS
The comments below and elsewhere in this mailing represent the
typically uncensored views of the readers and not necessarily those
of the COMMITTEE. In the faith that freedom of expression allows
for the birth and ascendancy of the most beneficial ideas, all sentiments
expressed are welcome, subject to the bounds of good taste and
decorum. If you disagree with an opinion expressed by any contributor,
we encourage you to rebut it here.
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Well it is unfortunate that the Federation has found itself impotent in
exercising the leadership necessary to keep the RMA as a constituent that
sees itself as a part of the entire spectrum of professional music. I do
think that since it is doubtful Vince Trombetta can be elected to the top
spot, (the RMA tried getting Hal to NY and it was a real slap in the face
that they were almost laughed out of Vegas) the RMA is searching for
someone they can promote and it might just be in NY. Also, don’t discount
the change in the wind with John Acosta. He wants to survive the cut and
may find himself culled by the RMA.
————————–
Further to the Committee’s point in the latest email. The fact that the
RMALA or RMA even sends out an email like that to all of the Los Angeles
members or across the country also scares video game composers away from
LA. Composers interpret that message not as Tom Lee is abusing power,
which is what the RMA wishes would take place. The composers interpret
that message as you are taking a risk if you schedule a video game
session in Los Angeles because you may incur the wrath of the RMA and
musicians may be intimidated not to play the session. Also, how can a
musician be happy playing a session in Los Angeles if they don’t like
the contract under which they are working? And that leads to then why
would a composer want to score a video game in LA if the musicians are
unhappy working under the current video game deal? If I were a
composer, I would want to go to a place where there is no political
strife. And LA is currently loaded with it.
————————–
COLLEAGUES,
We received this letter from a Local 7 member who is having trouble
with Local 7 over health insurance premium payments:
Dear Mr. President and Staff:
I don’t know what is going on or NOT going on over at Local 7,
but, if they can’t even aford a dime for a fax, someone please
lend it to them.
I was under the impression that this was being handled by Zana
at the Foundation. They had promised to pay my October and
November premium under a grant from Kaiser. Since you did
not make any attempt to reason, witj Zana at the Foundation,
or communicate with me on the manner, I presumed it was paid
as per my agreement with Zana and the Foundation. She
requested that you fax her the bill for November.
Please FAX this bill immediately to Zana at The Foundation
(323) 461 5260 The staff at Local 7 are threatening to
suspend my health insurance, again. The same thing happened
last month when I tried to get Local 7 to collect on Part 1
of the grant. Attn: To Zana: FAX 323-461-5260. I believed
there was also some problem last month with responding to
the pre agreed plans to pay for my October and November
premiums. That was part of the ‘foundation grant awarded
me. And now you’re telling me 2 weeks before Xmas that the
full amount is now due and payable. As agreed upon the
foundation will pay the November premium. As for the December
premium I will have to wait until after Xmas to pay that..I had
informed you back in September that the foundation had agreed
to pay both October and November’s premium’s back then. But
evidentally, someone at the the staff didn’t take me at my
word. Is it really so difficult to fax over a document to the
local 47 foundation? I would presume that my dues are used
to handle such expenses, but when it comes to help from the
union, on a very important matter re: my health insurance,
I have had to call the foundation twice to make sure that they,
local 7, had made the payment as promised.. Yes, folks, this
is your union dollars at work. When it comes to doing what we
elected them to do, well, that’s another thing.
Merry XMAS.
————————–
Back in June I think it was David Finck was explaining to us how
the music business works. Now he is interpreting the 802 election
for us. Where would we be without the didactic Finck?
Rick Blanc
————————–
no progress anywhere - AFM all talk - RMA says - Phil Ayling says -
“your secondary mkt is going to be your only hope of retirement” -
pension fund a joke now - apathy from rank and file - I’m frankly
amazed at the lack of involvement of rank and file - what is that
weird human nature thing where we’ll watch a stock go down to
zero, a home price go down to zero, a work place go down to next
to nothing,
odds of getting any union work so low now unless you work for
Rotter or Zimmiti - status quo year actually but it aint easy and
it’s rarely is fun anymore
local 47 on witch hunt for dark dates - new electronic media guy
is all gung ho to save the union - thinks players turning down
dark dates is going to bring strength to our industry
[Colleagues, We can't help but think of the frog in the water
story, where as long as the temperature of the water rises
slowly enough, the frog will sit there until they are boiled
alive.]
—————————
About the LA video game problem. Perhaps explain the Simpsons
stunt for those who don’t remember it or who didn’t hear about
it at the time…
…starting with their last-minute staged mass cancellations
the day before the “The Simpsons” video game sessions which
only resulted in the work going to San Francisco (rebooked
the same day!) and video game companies realizing up-close
and personal what a risky proposition it is to record in Los
Angeles because of the nasty tactics of the disgruntled RMA
musicians. It is hard to imagine how many sessions for hard-
working LA musicians since then were lost due to this outrageous
RMA stunt - and these are the guys who are complaining about
the loss of video game work???
[EDITOR'S NOTE: You explained the gist of the Simpson's
stunt very well on your own. Thank you.]
=========================
IV. CONCERTS AND EVENTS
———————————-
12/19/09
CLASSICAL MUSIC COMES TO MAR VISTA
The Los Angeles Clarinet Institute presents a
Neighborhood Holiday Concert
Featuring the works of
Franz Krommer
Victor Ewald
Dan Newmark
John Philip Sousa
Gabriel Pierne
Christmas Carols!
Richard Wagner
Aaron Copland
. . . and more!
Saturday, December 19th, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.
3725 May Street, Mar Vista
The group will perform music the old fashioned
way….. The way they played wind band music
in the 1820’s…. Informal and outside.
Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on and join us for
an afternoon of 19th century-style fun.
www.LAclarinet.com
———————————-
12/19/09
VERDUGO YOUTH ORCHESTRA
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
JAZZ ENSEMBLE “SWING FEVER”
Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 3:00PM
Admission is free. Suggested donation: $10
Thorne Hall, Occidental College
1600 Campus Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
For more info call (323) 258-3552 or visit
————————————-
12/20/09
LOS ANGELES PIERCE SYMPHONIC WINDS
“A California Christmas and Holiday Festival”
Sunday, December 20th at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Pierce College Performing Arts Building
(In Sherman Oaks off Winnetka near Victory Blvd
at the top of the hill.)
An eclectic concert of works by contemporary California
composers, traditional holiday favorites and our ever-
popular audience sing along. Post-concert champagne
reception free to subscribers.
————————————-
12/20/09
5th Annual Trombone L.A. Xmas Concert
Sunday, December 20th at 7pm
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
6020 Radford Ave., N. Hollywood, CA 91606
Admission is free.
There will be a free will offering to benefit
the Hearts of Music Fund (A non-profit corporation
which provides assistance to uninsured musicians.)
———————————-
“Lisa Haley upcoming shows,”
12/24/09
50th Annual MUSIC CENTER HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
- THURS 12/24/09: LOS ANGELES, CA - DORTHY CHANDLER PAVILION
PLUS LIVE BROADCAST! ON KCET, KOCE, KLCS, KVCR-TV
Show is 3-9PM - Lisa Haley & the Zydekats performance time TBA
http://www.holidaycelebration.org
___________________
12/31/09
ANAHEIM, CA - DISNEYLAND NEW YEARS CELEBRATION! - 8PM
WE COUNT THE PARK DOWN TO MIDNIGHT ON THE RIVER OF THE
AMERICAS!
http://www.disneyland.com/
———————————-
12/28/09
ORCHESTRE SURREAL at TYPHOON!
Celebrate New Years Eve Early!!
MONDAY DECEMBER 28th, 2009
Elvis Schoenberg’s Orchestre Surreal
Two sets: 8 PM & 9:30 PM
At Typhoon
L.A.’s Premier Pan-Asian Restaurant
3221 Donald Douglas Loop South
Santa Monica, CA
It’s Typhoon’s last night of music for the year!
and It’s the Fabulous Miss Thing’s Birthday Bash!
NO COVER CHARGE, NO MINIMUM FULL BAR!
For more information call: (310) 390-6565
For easy directions and map click: www.typhoon.biz
Come experience the virtuosity of the Orchestre Surreal, complete
with the Fabulous Miss Thing, Daunting Diva Lynn, Dangerous Dan
O’Callaghan and other surprise guests, while dining at the only
place in town that has a fine selection of amphibians and insects
on their menu.
So if listening to deconstructed pop songs done in an modern
orchestral style performed by 25 crazy musicians and amazing
singers in wild costumes isn’t enough to get you out of the
house on a Monday night. Then come and order a Juicy frog
and a basket of fried crickets. Then you can chase it with some
of The Fabulous Miss Thing’s Birthday Cake.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
———————————-
UPCOMING CONCERTS in the same series:
(every FIRST & THIRD WEDNESDAY at 12:10-12:40 pm)
JANUARY 6, 2010
VERKLARTE NACHT/Transfigured Night by ARNOLD SCHOENBERG
for String Sextet
KEWA ENSEMBLE & Friends
Nancy Roth - violin
Jacqueline Suzuki - violin
Lynn Grants - viola
Adriana Zoppo - viola
Maurice Grants - violoncello
Mary Anne Steinberger - violoncello
JANUARY 20, 2010
BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 10 in G Major Op. 96
Jacqueline Suzuki - violin
Rosa LoGiudice - piano
=======================
UNTIL NEXT TIME,
THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47
Visit us at www.responsible47.com
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