Author: sbergman

Rochester’s Arts Scene Struggling In Down Economy

The American economy is in the dumps, and in Western New York state, the struggling city of Rochester’s arts scene is feeling the pinch. “State funding is being cut and donors — local corporations, foundations and individuals — are scaling back on contributions.” One local theater has already closed, and other groups are struggling under massive amounts of debt.

Chicago Symphony Refuses To Slip

Despite having spent a couple of seasons without a music director, Andrew Patner says that two recent European performances show that the Chicago Symphony is having no trouble maintaining its reputation and its unique sound. “The pairing of Dutch maestro Bernard Haitink and the CSO is happening at exactly the right time for both sides of the coupling and is getting results that far exceed those expected.”

Saudi Judge Calls For Death Of “Immoral” Broadcasters

“The most senior judge in Saudi Arabia has said it is permissible to kill the owners of satellite TV channels which broadcast immoral programmes.” The comments are alarming to the region’s dozens of satellite channels, many of which broadcast across national borders from liberal enclaves like Qatar, and represent a “huge dilemma” for Saudi Arabia’s ruling royal family.

Hitting Rock Bottom (In A Good Way)

Merce Cunningham’s “Ocean,” an ambitious music and dance extravaganza set to the music of John Cage, has been performed only eight times in the 14 years since its premiere, despite strong reviews whenever it is staged. The latest performances took place last week in a massive rock quarry in central Minnesota, the most ambitious staging yet, and 3,600 people drove as much as 180 miles to see it.

Is Texas Really Ready For George Steel?

Many observers were surprised when George Steel, known for his innovative programming as head of Columbia University’s Miller Theater, announced that he would be leaving New York to take over as chief of the very traditional, cautiously programmed Dallas Opera. Will his commitment to new music and reputation as a trailblazer be of any use at a conservative company in a conservative part of the country?

Getty Villa’s Neighbors Hit Back Against Noise

“As it has done each September since 2006, when it reopened after a $275 million expansion, the Getty Villa is using its newly constructed 450-seat outdoor theater to revive a genre of work rarely seen on American stages.” But an ongoing dispute between the Getty and some of the Villa’s neighbors saw one performance nearly ruined by a radio intentionally blasting from a nearby house.

The Posthumous Rise Of A Literary Star

“When the novelist Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis died 100 years ago this month, his passing went little noticed outside his native Brazil. But in recent years he has been transformed from a fringe figure in the English-speaking world into a literary favorite and trendsetter, promoted by much more acclaimed writers and by critics as an unjustly neglected genius.”