Why wasn’t Munch’s “The Scream” insured before it was stolen? It was “not insured against theft because the city of Oslo has decided it is simply too expensive—the collection is of enormous value. We’re insured against fire and water damage but not against robbery.”
Tag: 11.04.04
Atlanta Opera Director Resigns
William Fred Scott has resigned as Atlanta Opera’s director. “The artistic director’s exit caps a turnover of the $5 million opera’s top managers in the last 18 months. Almost since the company was formed in the mid-1980s — to fill the gap when New York’s Metropolitan Opera ceased its annual tours to the city — the Atlanta Opera has struggled with deficits, inadequate venues and artistic unevenness.”
The Artist Factor – Did It Matter?
“Rarely have so many artists committed themselves to the defeat of a politician as Bruce Springsteen, Michael Moore and many others did in opposing George W. Bush. Now, with the president’s re-election, those artists find themselves asking whether they made a difference and whether they would do it again.”
Wooing A Georgia Theatre
Georgia’s Aurora Theatre is much in demand. Three cities are competing to lure the theatre to take up residence…
Threat: Movie Studios To Sue Downloaders
Movie studios say they will begin suing people who illegally download movies online.
“People who have been stealing our movies believe they are anonymous on the internet and wouldn’t be held responsible for their actions. They are wrong. We know who they are, and we will go after them, as these suits will prove.”
The New CD? (Recyclable)
Pioneer has announced a new generation of music disc – made of corn and eco-friendly. “The Japanese electronics maker said the Blu-ray optical disc, which can be written once and stores 25 gigabytes of data, is 87 percent natural polymer derived from corn and biodegrades.”
Live! From New York, It’s Saturday Night Reality!
The latest idea for “reality” TV? A show where young comics slug it out in front of producer Lorne Michaels with the prize being a role on Saturday Night Live. (Does ths “reality” mean no lip-syncing on camera?).
Miami Voters Approve Big New Arts Bond Issue
Even though Miami’s new performing arts center is way over budget and behind in its construction schedule, voters in Mimai/Dade County approved a huge new $552.7 million property tax bond issue for cultural facilities. “It includes $100 million toward a $175 million Miami Art Museum and $175 million toward a $267 million Museum of Science and Planetarium — both probably in Bicentennial Park. It also funds 59 other projects…”
Recreating A Long-Forgotten Ashton
Celebrating Sir Frederick Ashton’s 100th birthday, the Royal Ballet is restaging Sylvie. But the work hasn’t been done since 1965 and all but two of those involved with the production are dead. And there are few records of what the piece looked like. “Some might wonder how the Royal Ballet found itself in this situation in the first place, by failing to record the work of its founder choreographer. But notation was in its infancy at the time, and Sir Frederick himself was disdainful of posterity.”
Wichita Symphony Cuts Season
The Wichita Symphony will cut its season after four years of declining attendance. “The orchestra will offer eight concerts in its classical season rather than the traditional 10. It would be the first time in about 50 years that the symphony would offer fewer than 10 classical concerts a season. The decision was made in the face of declining season ticket sales, flat revenue from its endowment and an uncertain local economy.”