Musicians of the Cleveland Orchestra have approved a new two-year contract. “Under the new Cleveland agreement, the musicians will be compensated for the first time for Internet streaming of radio broadcasts. But the players will pay more for their health care, and their annual pension won’t rise during the contract period.”
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Edinburgh Fests Rally To Stay On Top
With other UK cities planning big new summer festivals, the 11 Edinburgh festivals have formed a new association to better represent themselves. “The new Association of Edinburgh’s Festivals will act as a unified voice and lobbying group at a time when Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle are preparing for major arts events of their own.”
Why Musicals Rule
With its expense and risk, why has the American musical not only survived but dominated the commercial theatre? “By changing, the musical has remained a truly popular form because it has shown itself capable of speaking to new generations. They grow up on Gene Kelly, but end up loving Velma and Roxie.”
Looking For Pure Mr. B
“Dance is most clearly preserved in the living bodies of dancers, not in books or on films or videotapes. Even before Balanchine’s death in 1983, there was apprehension about preserving his works. Twenty-one years later, some critics swear that they are still performed as he would have liked; others find fault on a regular basis, saying that the New York City Ballet, the logical caretaker of his legacy, has not lived up to its responsibility, and look to other artistic directors and companies to preserve the work. Pacific Northwest Ballet co-director Francia Russell is one often looked to in this regard.”
Obesity Tied To Mental Declines
A new study concludes that overweight people are at greater risk of mental decline as they age…
Students Oppose Copyright Abuse (From The Other Side)
Students at several American colleges are organizing to oppose expansion of copyright laws. “They are forming Free Culture groups on campuses to explain copyright law to fellow students. Stressing its importance for culture and society, the group says copyright law is being abused. To illustrate their point, the groups hold remixing contests, promote open-source software and rally against legislation like the Induce Act, which would hold technology companies liable for encouraging people to infringe copyrights.”
Forsythe To Dresden?
It looks like William Forsythe and his company, who were forced out of Frankfurt last season will end up in Dresden.
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra In The Black
The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra reports a surplus of $200,000, reversing a $750,000 deficit the previous season. The orchestra recently reorganized its management, spreading out decisions on running the orchestra.
Famed Fenice To Reopen This weekend
Eight years after fire gutted Venice’s famed La Fenice, the opera house is set to reopen this weekend. “The latest restoration, some critics have carped, has certainly achieved authenticity, but without easing such discomfort. Still, La Fenice’s place in the great opera houses of the world is assured, no matter how cramped some of the seating may be.”
Opera Australia Moving To Casino?
Opera Australia has to find a temporary home while the Sydney Opera House is being refurbished. Where to go? One option is a local casino. The company “declined to speculate on how opera audiences might feel about mixing with casino clientele, but said everything possible would be done to make the experience enjoyable.”