The £52m London 2012 Festival, which launched on Thursday, is the culmination of the cultural olympiad and is meant as a showstopper – a blinding array of arts events across the UK between 21 June and 9 September, staged in the spirit of “once in a lifetime”.
Month: April 2012
Conductor Kurt Masur Falls Off Podium In Paris During Concert
The 84-year-old, who was conducting the National Orchestra of France, lost balance during a movement of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6.
Where Virtual Technology And Reality Intersect
Robots, avatars, virtual screens – they’re all blending technology with the real world…
Why Vinyl Records Are Making A Comeback
“After a quarter of a century of obsolescence, the LP is making a comeback worthy of any religious resurrection. How it has risen from charity shop basement to wealthy living room is a parable for our times, a classic example of popular resistance to the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence and market forces. This is a turnaround equivalent to the vindication of homeopathy, the revival of newsprint and the return of the French monarchy, a romantic defiance of intellect and reality.”
Guthrie Theatre Attacked For Lack Of Diversity
“When the Guthrie Theater announced its 50th Anniversary season last week, the absence of women and minorities among the playwrights and directors ignited a fierce debate in the Twin Cities arts community.”
Has Science Voiced Philosophy And Religion?
“Philosophy is a field that, unfortunately, reminds me of that old Woody Allen joke, “those that can’t do, teach, and those that can’t teach, teach gym.” And the worst part of philosophy is the philosophy of science; the only people, as far as I can tell, that read work by philosophers of science are other philosophers of science. It has no impact on physics what so ever.”
Pinning Down How Creativity Works In The Brain
“In this time of economic uncertainty, creativity is one of those great swooning words, more upbeat than “innovation” its more sober biz-speak cousin.”
Break-Dancing Across The Green Line
The Philadelphia company Rennie Harris Puremovement brings its moves to Israel and the West Bank.
Is Jonathan Franzen The Mitt Romney Of American Letters?
“What he does [professionally], he does well. As a writer of enticing, accessible prose, Franzen is a craftsman. … But as a public figure, Franzen is a frustrating mess. He comes off as small, unsympathetic, out of touch, and tone deaf. … Franzen never apologizes for who he is, or his success, but just like Romney, the more he opens his mouth, the more you want him to shut it.”
How Do You Put A Price On Angst? The Scream On The Auction Block
“Sotheby’s experts anticipate the work will fetch more than $80 million, the highest presale figure the auction house has ever set.” Who might pay such a price, and why?