Critic takes a listen to New York Philharmonic’s new multi-disc salute to American music and, harkening back to debate from earlier this century, wonders if American music is worth it. There’s a “paucity of great music,” he finds. – National Review
AND: Washington Post‘s Jonathan Yardley responds to critic’s “misunderstanding of American music.” Washington Post 11/15/99
AND: New York Times review of series
Author: Douglas McLennan
OPERA IN THE PARK
Reviews are in on the Wendy Wasserstein/A. R. Gurney/Terrence McNally opera collaboration. An “exceedingly modest entertainment.” – New York Times
NOT JUST ANY BODY
Several hundred people satellite-linked in Toronto and The Hague, with more listening in electronically in various other parts of the world, took part in a weekend “global conference to advance health, well-being and excellence in dance and dancers.” – Toronto Star
AND: CBC report on conference 11/15/99
GEHRY SINCE BILBAO
People try to touch him on the streets, stop him in airports for autographs – Frank Gehry talks about life as a star architect. – Washington Post
NEW FILMMAKING MEGAPLEX opens in Sydney
With six sound stages, a “backlot” of movie-associated attractions, shopping village, cinema complex, and a “creative campus”, Fox Studios Australia is a serious new studio. Is Hollywood worried? London Sunday Times
DIRECT TO VIDEO
Just being dreadful isn’t the only reason some movies pass by the theaters and straight to the video racks. Sometimes it’s a niche thing. San Francisco Chronicle
“SPRING STORM”
A never-produced Tennessee Williams play comes to light. San Francisco Chronicle
OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE LARGER THAN THEY APPEAR
Disappointing Diego Rivera retrospective fails to show range, sweep of artist’s work. Dallas Morning News
THE OUT-OF-TOWN ARCHITECT
Let’s put this puppy to bed once and for all. Chicago Tribune
AT THE RAW EDGE OF LIFE
An assessment of double-Booker novelist J.M. Coetzee’s work. – Boston Globe