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Shared Leadership
The Orpheus Experience
The Zicklin Department of Management has collaborated with the world famous Orpheus Chamber Orchestra since 1998. This remarkable organization functions without a conductor, sharing the leadership role.
People familiar with classical music know that co-ordinating the players at the time of a performance is not nearly as important as it seems. The principle contribution of a conductor is the subtle interpretation of the classics, that gives each orchestra a unique sound.
Musicians of The Orpheus meet in small groups comprised of the “first chair” player of each section of the orchestra. These groups work through the kind of interpretations that a conductor would ordinarily do alone. After completing their work in, what is called a Core Group rehearsal, the players rehearse with the entire ensemble to present their interpretation. However, the players who were not part of the Core Group are not obligated to accept the small group’s recommendation. It is also important to know that the players rotate participation in the Core Group for each piece performed by the orchestra.
Core Group, and occasionally full ensemble, rehearsals by The Orpheus are held at Zicklin. The players do live rehearsals, surrounded by groups of Zicklin Management students. The players are under real deadlines for future performances. These are not exhibitions.
After a segment of the rehearsal is completed, Zicklin students have an opportunity to discuss this live act of shared leadership with the players. The students see verbal and non-verbal communication, resolution of conflict, and roles in the rehearsal dictated by the music. They question the players about what they just saw and heard. They learn that, for subtle, complex decisions, successful leadership is more likely shared than given.