Category: music

South Africa’s National Symphony closes after running out of money. The orchestra had been lavishly supported by the former white government, but had fallen on hard times in recent years. Corporate support just couldn’t make up the budget. South Africa’s other orchestras are also suffering. – South Africa Daily Mail & Guardian

Trying to understand the future of the recorded music business in the age of Dotcoms. – New York Times

Paavo Jarvi calls his new orchestra “one of the best-kept secrets in America. “We should make it less of a secret,” he says. Cincinnati Orchestra faces dwindling audiences. – New York Times

• Previously: NEW BATON FOR CINCINNATI: After a year-long search, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra hires Estonian-born American conductor Paavo Jarvi, 37, as its new music director. The CSO’s $28 million budget is the seventh-largest in the country. – Cincinnati Enquirer 01/25/00
• Jarvi was rumored to have been considered by two other orchestras. – Cincinnati Enquirer 01/25/00 

Franco Zeffirelli and David Frost will launch a new cable network – the Opera Channel – in July, to broadcast music. – MediaCentral

After a year-long search, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra hires Estonian-born American conductor Paavo Jarvi, 37, as its new music director. The CSO’s $28 million budget is the seventh-largest in the country. – Cincinnati Enquirer

• Jarvi was rumored to have been considered by two other orchestras. – Cincinnati Enquirer 01/25/00 

After years of criticism charging that  the world’s most prestigious piano competition has failed to find the world’s most interesting pianists, the Cliburn International changes its rules, reinventing itself. – Dallas Morning News

Musicians’ and technicians’ unions call for temporary closure of troubled Covent Garden to deal with technical problems. Rebuilt opera house has been plagued with technical equipment failures since reopening last month. – The Independent

• Don’t blame Opera House staff, blame those in charge. – The Observer 01/24/00

In his 75th year, Pierre Boulez goes on a conducting tour. Then, he says, from 2001 on, he’ll stop conducting. – London Telegraph

Just where is the line between them? – New York Times

Simon Rattle has his pick of orchestras to lead, and almost any of them would be thrilled to have him. He chose Berlin, or rather they chose him, but already the speculation about his future is interesting. – New York Times