STOP PRESS

Ticket sales for the RTO's New York concert have passed the 450 mark - with 97 shopping days still to go before the April 1 curtain up! That leaves just 1050 seats to sell, which means we look like heading towards a full house (in keeping with RTO custom). The Chairman, whose blood pressure drops by the day, welcomed the latest figures but refused to let them go to his head. 'We have much work to do, not least in the preparation of our musicians for this auspicious occasion. I would urge all players to practise over the festive period unless, of course, they are guests in someone else's home or have people staying with them.'
The success of the RTO in conquering the American market* continues to inspire tribute bands, and it was felt that some kind of umbrella organisation should be set up - a sort of international network of musical nonentities.
To this end, the Chairman has already devoted much time and now is delighted to announce the formation of a League of Terrible Orchestras (LOTO), the inaugural meeting of which will be held on March 31st in New York**.
The possibilities for cultural exchanges, individual and whole section swaps, sharing of best practice (for those who do), and perhaps even an open season on visiting soloists, are infinite. 'These are exciting times indeed,' said the RTO's Chairman. 'With the combination of our extraordinary talents, imagine the contribution we could make to the world of classical music.'
Merry Christmas!


* To be confirmed
**To be confirmed