Time was when the Russians used to dominate international piano competitions. But this year’s Leeds International was dominated by the Italians – three of the top six finalists were Italian. – The Telegraph (UK)
Tag: 09.25.00
ITALIAN WINS LEEDS
Alessio Bax, at 22 the youngest of three finalists, is the first Italian ever to win at Leeds. – The Times (UK)
MARKET FORCES
This year’s instrumental soloists with Canadian orchestras tend to be young, female and good looking. “Presenters aren’t interested in art any more. They’re interested in selling concerts. They’re trying to find ways that will draw an audience, and they’re following the standards of what’s happening in our general culture. The values of Hollywood have long been to misuse women and their bodies to bring in audiences.” – The Globe and Mail (Canada)
THE FAME GAME
Artists are a hot commodity in London right now. Newspapers vie to put artists in their columns, and he or she who makes something outrageous is sure to get plenty of attention. But it’s all so very predictable… – New York Times 09/25/00
CULTURE STIRS IN IRAN
in the trenches of the “culture wars” – where right-wing vigilantes once attacked theatres that put on “liberal” shows, ripping up their chairs and intimidating theatregoers – the political sea change has brought rebirth. Iranian films are increasingly winning plaudits and awards at international film festivals for their fresh treatment of humanist issues. – New Statesman 09/25/00
THE BOTTOM LINE
“How should an entertainment company balance the demands of profit-making versus good corporate citizenship? It’s no secret that we live in an era when the demands of Wall Street dominate entertainment company decision-making. The Oscars, Emmys and Grammys are a once-a-year gold medal for corporate responsibility. The rest of the year, we celebrate the corporate gunslingers who boost their company’s value – and we demand the heads of the losers who lag behind in profits.” – Los Angeles Times 09/25/00
COMPUTERS MAY HURT, NOT HELP
A growing number of educators, child development experts, and doctors are beginning to speak out against early computer use, especially when coupled with regular television watching. Too much ‘screen time’ at a young age, they say, may actually undermine the development of the critical skills that kids need to become successful, diminishing creativity and imagination, motivation, attention spans, and the desire to persevere. – US News 09/25/00
STORIES TO TELL
Is the short story an endangered art form? A conference debates the question: “Society’s view of literature’s importance has shifted. It is no longer shameful to be ignorant of it. Teachers of literature apparently believe that one book cannot be judged as better than another, that evaluation is an impossibility – the sort of people rug dealers dream of having as merchants.” – National Post (Canada)
LYONS GOES ASIAN
The Lyons Dance Biennial goes Asian. “The focus is on Asia and the silk trade, but folk material has been deliberately played down. The event is essentially a contemporary dance festival, thankfully free of embarrassing Orientalisms.” – New York Times
WOMEN’S MUSEUM OPENS
Museum dedicated to the history and accomplishments of women opens in Dallas. “The heart of the Women’s Museum is its exhibits, two dozen in all, ranging from an elaborate time line of women’s achievements to a short film about female comedians and portraits of female artists and athletes.” – Dallas Morning News
- WHY A WOMEN’S MUSEUM? “Fewer than 5 percent of the nation’s historic landmarks focus on women’s achievements, the organizers point out. Fewer than 2 percent of textbooks are about women’s history. In cities known for their veneration of the past, such as Boston and Washington, few monuments to women exist.” – Washington Post