Reynold Levy

I was so eager to read this book that I pre-ordered it. The reviews I read were really positive. I’ve always been interested in what goes on behind the scenes in the performing arts and Levy presided over Lincoln Center during some big events – the demise of the City Opera, the financial problems and strike threat at the Metropolitan Opera and overhaul and redesign of the campus complete with neon signs along the stairs leading up to the halls.

The book was a monumental disappointment.

Levy doesn’t hesitate to name names and to question the actions of others, but usually in what appears to be an attempt to bolster our image of his business and organizational acumen. Tsk, tsk, if only they had listened to him. He is absolutely the hero of his own story – with some grating false modesty to temper his tales of derring do. He also boasts about some of the innovations he implemented to raise funds – pricing strategies that nickel and dime concert goers as well as naming rights for large donors. Since I find these to be some of the most odious modern trends, I was doubly offended by the pride he took in implementing them. To quote Mel Brooks..it’s good to be the king.

The latter part of the book is devoted to the lessons he’s learned during his tenure as Lincoln Center’s president, wisdom he feels he should impart to the reader. Most if not all of these are standard management techniques that can be found in any Business 101 textbook.… (mehr)