Ottawa-based author Elizabeth Hay won Canada’s Giller Prize last night, taking home $40,000 for her novel, Late Nights On Air. Hay is no stranger to literary plaudits, having been shortlisted for several high-profile prizes in past years.
Author: sbergman
Brandeis To Sell Hassam Painting
“The Rose Art Museum is selling a prized painting by Impressionist artist Childe Hassam that will fetch an estimated $2 million to $3 million at an auction later this month. Such a sale would be the largest in the Brandeis University museum’s history.”
Writer/Producers Walking A Fine Line
Television producers who also serve as writers on prime-time shows are in a tricky position with the Writers’ Guild on strike. Many are siding with the guild, and refusing to work. As of Tuesday night, there were still no plans for talks between the guild and the major studios to resume.
One Last Taste Of Schnittke
Alfred Schnittke’s ninth symphony, written in a rush as the composer lay dying in 1998, will get its American premiere this week in New York. The work, unfinished when Schnittke died, was completed by Russian composer Alexander Raskatov at the request of Schnittke’s widow.
Praise The Lord And Beat The Drum
It’s not even on the radar screen of most music fans, but Christian rock is now an undeniable force in the marketplace, and millions of Americans consume the bulk of their live music while sitting in huge, non-denominational mega-churches.
Berlin Phil Admits Past Nazi Ties
“The Berlin Philharmonic, widely considered the world’s greatest orchestra, has finally opened up about its Nazi past after decades of silence. The orchestra is following a trend of German institutions which are admitting their past association with the Nazis.”
Denver Arts Vote Too Close To Call
Denver voters approved a raft of tax increases yesterday, but a measure that would raise $90m to renovate Boettcher Concert Hall, home of the Colorado Symphony, remains too close to call.
Melbourne To Get New High-Tech Venue
A $70m recital hall under construction in Melbourne will double the city’s concert output, according to organizers. “The all-acoustic venue, featuring the 1001-seat Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, is the only one of its type in Australia, floating on 38 spring-based blocks to insulate it from outside noise.”
Legendary Violin Teacher Still Going Strong At 96
Say the name Totenberg, and many Americans would think of the prominent NPR reporter Nina. But say the name to a musician, and they’ll likely tell you about Nina’s father, a 96-year-old Boston legend whose students are spread far and wide throughout the music world.
Warhol Painting Could Fetch $25m+
“An Andy Warhol painting of Dame Elizabeth Taylor is expected to sell for more than $25m at an auction in New York. The 1963 portrait, called Liz, is one of 12 paintings of the actress which Warhol created while Dame Elizabeth was recovering from an illness. According to reports, the portrait belongs to British actor Hugh Grant.”