The number of university-age students is expected to plummet over the next 10 years, “leaving 70,000 university places unfilled – the equivalent of nearly six universities.Universities will have to compete harder, target more mature students and those from outside the EU to fill seats in lecture halls as a historic dip in the birth rate translates into fewer student numbers.”
Tag: 03.20.08
Movie Has Netherlands In A Panic
An anti-Islam movie being produced by a right-wing Dutch politicians has stoked fears of violent protest. “A film that no one has seen and of which no one can say that it will ever exist has become a daily topic of discussion and speculation in the Netherlands.”
Producer Short-Sheets His Season
When the last show of Toronto theatre promoter David Mirvish’s season fell apart, he didn’t just throw in another production for subscribers. He shortened the season. “We have not been able to find another high-quality show that could be made ready for us within the time available.” Now he’s offering six options for shortchanged season subscribers.
Protests Over Opera Africa’s Use Of Wild Animals Onstage
“Animal welfare groups have roared their disapproval at an opera company for using two lions and a cheetah during live performances of Verdi’s Aida. ‘On stage, there’s a large orchestra, two complete choruses, lighting and noise. Aida is also what I’d called a ‘busy’ production with a lot going on. Is it sensible or fair to put these animals through all that just for authenticity?”
Ancient Roman Artifacts Stolen Outside Rome
“About 1,000 ancient artifacts found in a wealthy Italian’s country house outside Rome were stolen from one of Emperor Trajan’s 1st-century villas, archaeologists have determined.”
Apple To Offer Subscription Music Service?
iTunes is the biggest online seller of music. But Apple may be rethinking how it sells music, offering a subscription service. “Apple’s position might be changing, in part because of competition in the online music market, where music is increasingly sold without digital copyright protections that keep it tied to one device.”
Study: Yes, Money Can Buy Happiness
“Money can buy happiness, but only if we spend it on others, say researchers behind a three-part psychology experiment. The study is interesting because it suggests that the way money is spent may be more important than total income, which people often focus on as a source of happiness.”
Russell Davies To Lead Switzerland’s Largest Orchestra
“American conductor Dennis Russell Davies will take on the position of music director of the Basel Symphony Orchestra in 2009. Davies, who is also chief conductor and music director of the Bruckner Orchestra Linz and the Linz Opera, will hold the post for five years.”
Troubled Borders Books For Sale?
Borders has lost market share both to online retailers and to discounters like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and its possible sale was given mixed prospects by industry analysts.
Royal Opera Will Subsidize Low-Cost Tickets By Raising Ticket Prices
The Royal Opera House is turning Robin Hood in a move to make high culture more affordable for a new audience. From next season it will send its top price tickets to a steepling £210 each for popular productions, and use the extra money to make a raft of seats cheaper.