Last Year’s Words, and Next Year’s Voices: Essays and Speeches from a Decade as Chairman of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians

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Author Bruce Ridge served as chair of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians from 2006 to 2016. In this time of economic upheaval and social change, when orchestras were besieged with lockouts and bankruptcies, many questioned the value of the symphony orchestra to society. Into this environment, Ridge brought an eloquent, positive message, embracing connection through social media, highlighting the value of musicians to their community, and promoting the healing orchestral music can provide. The essays and speeches Ridge shares recount ICSOM’s expanding role as a true advocacy organization under his leadership. He addresses topics both global and personal, ranging from arts education’s role in a vibrant civil society to the challenges of maintaining mental health in a stressful profession. This collection of writings serves as a remarkable journal of advocacy on behalf of one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures: our symphony orchestras.