His most recent book, The Masque of Africa, “unmasks Naipaul – whose reputation for callousness toward humans is legendary – as a besotted, almost tender, lover of animals.”
Tag: 01.04.11
DC’s American Opera Theater to Close
“The American Opera Theater, one of the most intriguing of the many pocket opera companies in the Baltimore/Washington region, is shutting down at the end of this season.”
Kansas City Symphony and Michael Stern: Five More Years
“After six seasons preparing the Kansas City Symphony for a great leap forward in 2011, Michael Stern has signed on for another five years [as music director]. … The agreement comes on the verge of the Symphony’s move later this year to its new stage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.”
A Luxury Hotel at the Versailles Palace
“The Palace of Versailles, west of Paris, will have its Hotel du Grand Controle, the traditional home of the chateau’s treasurers, converted into a luxury hotel as part of a plan to pay for renovations at some of France’s historic buildings.”
An Inflatable Cathedral of Light
“Is it a gothic cathedral, a mosque or a giant, inflatable jumping castle? These were the questions passers-by were asking about Mirazozo, a 48m long inflatable artwork, or ‘luminarium’, erected on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House. Inside, the sense of the otherworldly is even greater, as the play of natural light … combine[s] with the intricate internal structure.”
Borders Books – Down For The Count?
“Third-quarter sales at Borders fell 17.6 percent over the same period in 2009, and it reported losses for the year at nearly $75 million, almost double the 2009 mark. As losses mounted last year, the company laid off 10 percent of its management force and planned to close 16 stores.”
British Arts Funding Cuts – The Dismantling Of A Superpower?
“The current cuts to the arts and humanities spell out the end of the British people’s emancipation through culture. For me, it’s like ripping up the Magna Carta.”
Assange’s Book Deal – Proof Some Information Is Still Worth Paying For?
“For all the walls he has torn down, Mr. Assange’s new contract proves that some information is still worth paying for. Putting his autobiography in book format, whether printed or electronic – and charging admission to read it – is an obvious recognition of this fact. So why are books still relevant in a WikiLeaks world?”
Broadway Has A Record Week
“For the week ending Jan. 2, the industry’s total gross–$34.99 million–was up 24% from the same week last season. The one-week figure is almost certainly the largest in history, though the Broadway League, which compiles the data each week, declined to call it the highest because of a 2009 change in its methodology. Attendance also increased over the same week last year, from 250,134 to 272,864.”
New York’s Festival Season (Beginning Now)
“All the festivals are hoping to take advantage of the estimated 4,000 presenters, producers, vendors, managers, artists and donors who descend on the city for the annual Association of Performing Arts Presenters convention at the beginning of January.”