Composer Giya Kancheli Dead At 84

“Kancheli’s work became known in the West as early as the 1970s — his Fourth Symphony, “In Memoria di Michelangelo,” was performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1978 — but it was in the 1990s in particular that important international champions of his music emerged, including the ECM record label as well as conductors Dennis Russell Davies and Kurt Masur, violinist Gidon Kremer, violists Kim Kashkashian and Yuri Bashmet and Kronos Quartet, among others.” – NPR

EU Report: Europe Is At A Social Turning Point – Arts Need To Play Role

The report describes the EU as being at a “turning point” due to societal and political challenges such as social cohesion, rising extremism and populism, global competition and “environmental emergency”. The culture and creative sectors, it says, have an important role to play in addressing these issues and can act as a positive, unifying force. – Arts Professional

Placido Domingo Resigns From LA Opera

“Recent accusations that have been made against me in the press have created an atmosphere in which my ability to serve this company that I so love has been compromised,” he wrote in a statement provided to The Times. “While I will continue to work to clear my name, I have decided that it is in the best interests of L.A. Opera for me to resign as its general director and withdraw from my future scheduled performances at this time.” – Los Angeles Times