Washington is in the midst of a building orgy, as $2.4 billion worth of new museums, theatres and other arts projects go up. “The grandest plans are taking shape at the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex, which is adding two new museums — the National Museum of the American Indian, on the National Mall, and an immense hangar-style addition to its popular National Air and Space Museum adjacent to Dulles International Airport in nearby Virginia.”
Tag: 05.29.03
Gergiev – Conducting’s Energizer Bunny
Over the past 15 years conductor Valery Gergiev has established an extensive international career. “Do you know why I work abroad? Not for money. I have conducted more performances for no money than anyone alive. In Russia, at one point, I conducted for three dollars an opera. I was happy – I could grow, learn leadership, nurture new singers. I conduct abroad to help my company and for my own pleasure. I spend six weeks a year with the Vienna Philharmonic – the best orchestra in the world. If I have no pleasure, I don’t go.”
The Painting Behind The Painting
Dennis Savill was inspecting a painting by Lloyd Rees at Sotheby’s when he noticed a second piece of canvas tacked under the painting. He paid $94,500 for the 1957 oil, then took it to a conservateur who removed the canvases from their frame and discovered another Rees behind the first. It might even be a better painting than the painting Savill thought he was buying.