Category: music

That Van Cliburn has retained these qualities through some pretty tough times is a remarkable personal achievement almost as great as his win in Moscow more than 40 years ago. – Boston Herald

“At $250,000 (or £170,000), Yamaha’s Disklavier Pro 2000 is not merely the most stylistically radical and technologically advanced piano in the world, it is easily the most expensive, too.” Yamaha makes it to celebrate 100 years in the biz. – The Sunday Times (UK)

“Many singers feel it’s difficult enough keeping the voice perfectly tuned without having to worry about lifting weights and living on yogurt and Evian water.” But increasingly there is pressure to look the part you’re playing. – The Telegraph (UK)

“Alcohol and creativity have always staggered along together. We are never surprised when we hear tales of pissed pop stars, inebriated artists, wasted writers. For many, though, it comes as a surprise that classical musicians carry a similar collection of tales and troubles. Set against the rough excess of pop, classical music is seen as a pure and civilising experience.” – The Guardian

The World Trade Organization has ruled that owners of small stores and bars in the US must pay royalties to musicians if they use music in their businesses. “The EU says artists and composers in its 15 member countries could be losing more than $37 million in copyright payments because of exemptions granted to small establishments in the U.S.” – CBC

Opera Australia just got a big increase in funding from the government and will use it to buy a few more violins for the orchestra. – Sydney Morning Herald

— a $17 million settlement with Italian tax collectors, ending a nasty four-year battle. – CBC

— dies in New York at age 83. – New York Times

A Seattleite is one of the internet’s hottest musicians – he recently almost won a Yahoo award, and his music is consistently one of the Top Ten MP3 downloads. One thing – he’s never performed in public and says he knows nothing about the recording industry. “But then again, if you’re taking in $10,000 a month without touring, doing promotions or even lifting a finger, who needs a record contract?” – Seattle Times

This week’s New York Philharmonic concert in Central Park had to be cancelled after public officials closed the park because of a health scare. – BBC MusicMagazine