Why is the term 'residency' used to describe more than one concert?

[pastoralguy]

I've never quite understood why the term 'residency' is used to describe a musician or group of musicians giving more than a single concert. Suzy Klein used it just now to describe the BBCNOW's two appearances at this years Proms.

Similarly, Joshua Bell's three concerts at this years EIF are enfolded in this generic term. Is it supposed to represent some form of kudos for the artist(s) or the organisation hosting them?

[jean]

I assume it means working in different ways with the other musicians they're 'resident' with, rather than just giving a series of concerts?

Though I'm not sure how you could be 'resident' at the Proms in the way I've suggested, when that is nothing but a series of concerts?

[Alison]

I can understand the residency idea with (e.g.) the LPO and the Philharmonia at the RFH.

[Conchis]

I've always understood it to mean a longer period of time at a single venue - i.e. a week.

[pastoralguy]

I've always understood it to mean a longer period of time at a single venue - i.e. a week.

We had the Los Angeles Phil doing four concerts at the EIF about 10 years ago and I feel that was appropriate to describe as a 'residency'. But two concerts seems to be pushing it a bit.

[jean]

From the introduction to the RLPO's next season:

...We’re delighted that the great bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel and pianist Stephen Hough return to Liverpool this season as our Artists in Residence. He’ll sing in two of Verdi's masterpieces - the dramatic Requiem and the opera Falstaff in which he will reprise his internationally acclaimed signature role of Sir John Falstaff. And he showcases his great versatility in a concert of songs from the musicals with Ruthie Henshall.

Wirral-born Stephen Hough’s residency is at the centre of a focus on the piano this season. Stephen will perform all five Beethoven piano concertos; he’ll perform in recital as part of our Chamber Music Series, perform some of his own compositions in Music Room and take part in talks too...

[vinteuil]

.

... but is it being curated ?


.

[Barbirollians]

Suzy Klein talks a great deal of nonsense . Surely a residency needs more than two concerts ?

[pastoralguy]

.

... but is it being curated ?


.

Aha! That must be the difference!

[Petrushka]

It's a bit like any horse race meeting spread over two or more days being described as a 'festival'.

[french frank]

a) It may be meaninglessly pretentious (as here)

b)

... but is it being curated ?

This may be the difference between engaging a particular orchestra to play a particular programme and leaving them free to devise a programme of their choosing

c) It may be both.

I think it only really has a meaning if musicians are engaged for at least a season by an organisation offering them a music venue and performance opportunities which they are free to 'curate'.

[BBMmk2]

I think the term is wrongly used in this sense.

[verismissimo]

.

... but is it being curated ?


.

All things are curated nowadays, vinty, including posts on these boards. :)

[Stanfordian]

I've never quite understood why the term 'residency' is used to describe a musician or group of musicians giving more than a single concert. Suzy Klein used it just now to describe the BBCNOW's two appearances at this years Proms.

Similarly, Joshua Bell's three concerts at this years EIF are enfolded in this generic term. Is it supposed to represent some form of kudos for the artist(s) or the organisation hosting them?

Clearly the word 'residency' is being misused.

[ardcarp]

It's a bit like any horse race meeting spread over two or more days being described as a 'festival'.

I suppose there is no time limit on a 'festival' which presumably is related to a 'feast day' (no doubt Jean will correct me). To 'reside' somewhere implies a period of living (sleeping, eating, etc) at a particular place. But maybe that's being picky. There have been examples of composers [and string quartets] in residence at, for example, university music departments. If that's for a year or even a term that's fine with me, but I do agree the way 'residency' and 'curate' are being used is just silly. However language evolves and develops, and if a trendy middle-class tic gets used often enough, I guess it will gradually change its shade of meaning.