In a vivid example of the ad hoc and highly inconsistent way arts organizations are dealing with the spread of the potentially deadly coronavirus, the Seattle Symphony is operating as usual and played to large audiences over the weekend. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Symphony canceled all performances this week and next. – Los Angeles Times
Blog
Video Gaming’s First Superstar Auteur
“How do you explain Hideo Kojima to someone who has never picked up a PlayStation controller? His admirers have often compared him to filmmakers: Quentin Tarantino, David Lynch, George Lucas, James Cameron. … Perhaps more notable than his resemblance to any particular film director is the fact that such a comparison would be made at all.” – The New York Times Magazine
Ana Mendieta’s Family Would Like Sotheby’s To Return, Not Sell, A ‘Lost’ Work
The work, a photograph of a figure in a rock, had disappeared, “loaned out to curator Rebecca Ballenger for a traveling exhibition from 1983 to 1984, but allegedly not returned. A Georgia man, Edward Meringolo, allegedly bought the work from Ballenger last year before consigning it to Sotheby’s, according to court papers.” – The New York Post
New World Symphony Subbed Out Last Weekend’s Conductor Because He Went To Japan Last Month
“‘Out of an abundance of caution, the New World Symphony felt it was prudent for Cristian Măcelaru not to conduct the concert [Saturday] night after learning of his recent travels to Japan which is designated at level two re the coronavirus by the CDC,’ the orchestra, said in a statement released by a spokeswoman.” This despite the fact that Măcelaru is not ill and has tested negative for the virus. – South Florida Classical Review
Mart Crowley, Who Wrote ‘The Boys In The Band’, Dead At 84
“For much of his career, Mr. Crowley was overshadowed by gay playwrights such as Larry Kramer … and Tony Kushner. … But his 1968 examination of gay identity, repression and self-loathing was a milestone for artists and other theatergoers who recognized themselves as one of The Boys in the Band, even if some of the play’s acid-tongued dialogue would come to seem dated.” – The Washington Post
National Museum Of American Jewish History Files For Bankruptcy
In filing for Chapter 11, the museum is “seeking relief from what museum officials characterize as a crushing debt burden [of more than $30 million] incurred by construction of its home on Independence Mall a decade ago.” – The Philadelphia Inquirer
What David Hallberg Wants To Do At, And With, The Australian Ballet
“The dancing is already at a very high standard, the repertoire is solid and the audience base is dedicated. But I want to add certain things to the repertoire that haven’t yet been seen in Australia. … I also want to bring the company around the world. … And I want to dive into the company’s responsibility to the greater Australian community.” – Dance Magazine
‘I’m Not Entirely Sure’ How South By Southwest Can Recover From Cancellation, Says CEO
Devastated by having to call off this year’s event due to the coronavirus epidemic — as it turns out, cancellation due to infectious disease is not covered by the festival’s insurance policies — SXSW LLC doesn’t even know yet how much money it will lose and has laid off a third of its staff. – Austin American-Statesman
Cleveland Orchestra Cancels Entire Tour Of Europe And Mideast
“On Monday, the group announced that after careful consideration of news reports and advice from health experts, it has decided not embark next week on a tour slated to include concerts in Austria, France, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.” – The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)
Massive €1 Billion Jewel Theft In Dresden May Have Been An Inside Job
“Four security guards employed at Dresden’s Royal Palace are under investigation over their alleged involvement in a huge theft of 18th-century jewellery, according to German prosecutors. Investigators have long suspected that the heist, the biggest since the Second World War, was carried out with accomplices working inside the museum.” – The Guardian
