Writing in the house magazine of Local 802 (the New York City chapter) of the American Federation of Musicians, Shea Scruggs and Weston Sprott both suggest ways to change the mindset around orchestral auditions and offer specific steps to take, such as keeping screens for all audition rounds (including chamber music and ensemble) and eliminating trial weeks. – Allegro (AFM Local 802)
Category: music
‘The Central Park Five’ — Composer Anthony Davis On Writing An Opera With A Quintet In The Title Role
“I had never done an opera with five protagonists before. I had to figure out how to do that. I was fascinated by group singing. Then I began thinking about that period in time, Take 6 and a lot of the boy groups that were popular in that time. I started looking at what I could do with close harmony for five voices.” – The Washington Post
Berlin Philharmonic Inaugurates New 650-Seat Concert Hall In Swiss Mountain Village
The little town of Andermatt had been in decline because of the gradual closure of an army base. But an Egyptian developer who fell in love with the area has begun creating a large ski resort, with “hotels, apartments and chalets, restaurants, new infrastructure, a golf course – and a concert hall good enough to attract the world’s best players.” – The Guardian
The Country Music Stereotype Is Redneck. But It Grew Out Of Progressive Roots
These kinds of negative projections of the people who have made country music, and have listened to it, linger even unto today. The stereotype is that they all harbour conservative political and social beliefs, setting them as sexist, racist, jingoistic and fundamentalist Christian by nature. But this image is a lie. For, right from the start, country music spoke up with a progressive voice. – Aeon
The New York Times Just Called Them ‘America’s Most Astonishing Choir’. And Just Sounding Beautiful Doesn’t Interest Them.
“[Here’s what makes] The Crossing one of the country’s most exciting vocal ensembles: an embrace of the new, a social conscience and fearless technique, brought together in a marriage that transcends mere prettiness. A Crossing program is often politically charged — taking on issues like homelessness, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster and corporate personhood — without being didactic. The group is uninterested in, ahem, preaching to the choir, preferring works that are suggestive and ambiguous.” – The New York Times
Following Sexual Harassment Accusations, Stephen Lord Resigns As Michigan Opera Theatre’s Chief Conductor
One day after “allegations that he sexually harassed singers, pianists and conductors all over the country and used his position and prestige to silence them” were reported, Lord stepped down from both MOT and Opera Theater of St. Louis, where he was Music Director Emeritus. – Detroit Free Press
How The Baltimore Symphony Got Into Dire Straits
The Baltimore Sun obtained financial documents showing the orchestra’s fiscal health is in calamitous condition. Even factoring in additional state funding, the orchestra is projected to barely make payroll in July and August, according to cash forecasts for a 52-week season. The orchestra would likely end its fiscal year with an approximately $1.5 million deficit. – Baltimore Sun
Allegations Of Sexual Abuse Of Operatic Proportions
“Whether a visiting music director joining one production at a time, or in his regular capacity as Resident Conductor at several opera companies, he brings musically impeccable credentials, a flair with the baton, and a reputation for finding and cultivating exciting young talent. Countless reviews testify to his well-acknowledged musical talents. Behind the scenes, however, lies a much darker story.” – Twin Cities Arts Reader
La Scala’s Next Superintendent Will Be Dominique Meyer Of Vienna State Opera: Reports
Italian media are reporting that the mayor of Milan, who is ex officio chair of La Scala’s board, said after a meeting that Meyer was the choice; for now, English-language outlets report that the mayor said only that a candidate whom he couldn’t name had been selected (but that all the speculation points to Meyer). The contract of the current superintendent, Alexander Pereira, expires in 2020 and (beyond a possible two-year extension) is not being renewed. – The Guardian
Saved By A Donor, Australia’s Top Professional Vocal Ensemble Emerges From Bankruptcy
In May, The Song Company suddenly announced that it was ceasing business and beginning the bankruptcy process called in Australia Voluntary Administration. Then, in early June, the ensemble’s board chairman announced that, following “the intervention of a significant donor” and confirmation of government funding, “the company is in a good position to recommence trading.” – Limelight (Australia)