petergabriel.com

I went to the Houston show and had the VIP package that included the sound check. Really glad I dropped the $$$, everything was top notch!! It was a wonderful treat to see and hear the orchestra practice and get everything really tight. Ben, the conductor, really keeps everybody motivated. Anyways, on to my nagging questions: 1) How were the local musicians chosen? 2) Were they financially compensated? Or, was having this opportunity compensation enough? 3) How did the local musicians like or feel about the concert they were a part of? 4) What are the thoughts of the local musicians about this concept of a ½ full time & ½ local musician orchestra? I am not sure my questions came through clearly. Hopefully you can see/ sense where I am coming from with my line of questions. Take Care, Allan

Ehmmmm . . .about questions n.3 and 4: i have to say it's bit hard to know people's thinking. . . it would take an interview to some musicians. But personally i think to play with an Artist like Peter Gabriel is alwayas a great and fantastic experience Why do you want to know the pay, is it so important? Because i do not understand. . .

Curiosity question, more than anything else. I am not interested in the amount, if any. There are musicians who would do this just for the love of music and the experience. There are some who demand to be paid for their services. I would think they would choose those who were both talented and would want to be a part of this experiment/experience. Not being a musician myself, I believe it would be a daunting experience to have such a crash course with half of the orchestra well versed and the other half trying to play catch up. Again, this is more of a curiosity question, and I will not lose any sleep over it. Take care, Allan

I am not a musician, but considering the stage crew was union. I would guess the local musicians were union musicians and thus would have been paid union scales for time or contract performed. Just think of ones resume that has playing a set with PG. Wow!

Thanks for the answer Alltrull.

Hello Alltrul, As a concert musician myself, I am sure that they got paid. Unfortunately, I live in the wrong town, and play the wrong instrument to have been included in the group but I did many a time dream of what an experience it would have been to have been up there. I watched the players as much as PG (I'll admit it!) to see their reactions and behavior. At least in Milwaukee the locals looked like they were having a blast. Even though it would have been a dream come true to play with the group, I would have still expected to be paid. I don't want this to sound weird but PG is getting paid, I make money with my skills and years of work as well, and so I should get paid. I am sure they all got compensation. As to learning the music. My guess is that they were sent their parts at least a week ahead so that they could go over it. The day of the show they had local group rehearsals, probably to lay down any changes and help through any rough parts. The large group rehearsals that were open to the VIPs were for balance and any other particulars. These are professional musicians, they should be able to sit down and sight read the music or at least get it very near right very quickly. (none of it sounded that complicated) As to who was chosen… they are all part of larger symphony orchestras. My guess is that the director asked who was interested and available and then chose from those volunteers.