Additional notes from last music review

Published 9:30 am Friday, April 12, 2013

To the editor:

The addendum I had included with my review of pianist Orion Weiss did not appear. Here it is again:

Yesterday’s review was my last. It’s been an enjoyable effort for 18 years. There have been misconceptions about my role, so I’ll take this opportunity to address them.

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I’ve never been an employee of the Tryon Daily Bulletin. A previous editor chose to present my reviews in column format to make clear I was writing opinion pieces. I’m grateful to the TDB for providing this helpful distinction and for publishing these criticisms in a timely manner.

Reviews were first proposed as a way to generate interest in Tryon Concert Association’s series while educating listeners in a creative way. As the daughter of a TCA founder, I was already steeped in their mission and happy to oblige. I followed on the heels of the very talented Lesley Oakes, another musician/writer in our midst. I’ve never been compensated by Tryon Concert Association. I’ve purchased my own tickets and made numerous unrestricted donations.

I want to thank my readers for their compliments and for initiating provocative discussion when our paths crossed around town.

And finally, I send a big thank you to my mother Elizabeth, the only living charter member of Tryon Concert Association, for her careful copyediting and for tempering my stridency on occasion.

– Rita Landrum