A two-hour ballet – “The King” – portraying the life of Elvis Presley, has been shut down before it even opens in Edinburgh by the late singer’s daughter. – The Independent (UK)
Author: Douglas McLennan
MUSIC SALES UP
Sales of recorded music worldwide were up 1.5% last year to $38.5 billion, according to the annual report from the Int’l Federation of the Phonographic Industry. The number of recordings sold 3.8 billion – stayed the same however. The US – the world’s largest music market, accounting for 40% of the total – had its fifth straight year of growth, posting an 8% rise in value and a 5% increase in recordings sold, with online sales making up 2.4% of the total. – Variety
GOT A RIGHT TO STREAM?
A lawsuit being heard in New York this week could determine how consumers can access their personal music files over the internet. Paul McCartney and two other plaintiffs claim that “MP3.com created an illegal database by purchasing CDs and uploading that music onto MP3.com’s servers. Users who signed up for the service and who called my.mp3.com were then able to stream music from that database to any device that can access the Internet.” – Wired
OPERATIC PUNISHMENT
Students “sentenced” to attend a performance of “Tosca” as punishment for their transgressions at a Connecticut school discover they like it. “It was awesome. I wasn’t expecting anything. I’d do it again – voluntarily.” – Philadelphia Inquirer (AP)
NEW AMERICAN CLASSIC
“Carlisle Floyd’s opera ‘Cold Sassy Tree,” which had its world premiere at the Houston Grand Opera on Friday night, is a minor masterpiece of musical storytelling and assured theatrical know- how.” – San Francisco Chronicle
UNION ACTORS IN THE US —
— vote to go on strike against producers of TV commercials. Strike set for May. – Variety
COLONY POWER
For years Australians looked to Britain for its arts leaders. But with two Aussies taking the top London ballet jobs, it looks like the Brits are seeking the vitality of the former colonies to inject new energy into these keystone establishments. – The Age (Melbourne)
GHOULY GOREY DIES
Edward Gorey, whose comically macabre stories, illustrations and theater set designs were once described as “poisonous and poetic,” has died. He was 75. – Chicago Tribune
JUBILANT RETURN
After a decade in exile, Salman Rushdie returns to India. – New York Times
ANTI-BAN
- Salman Rushdie goes to India to call for lifting the ban on his book “Satanic Verses.” Hundreds demonstrate against the author in Kashmir. – The Age (Melbourne)