Secret Santa’s Art

The Royal Academy’s annual Secrets sale offers cards by famous artists at a low price. The identity of the artist remains unknown until each card is bought and the signature is revealed on the back. One fan camped for two weeks to lead the queue for the sale, which helps students with grants and bursaries. Illustrator Quentin Blake and Tracey Emin were among the artists to donate a record 2,700 cards, each sold for £35.”

Terfel To Quit Opera For A Year

Welsh bass baritone Bryn Terfel says he may be taking a year off from opera. “Terfel reveals he may have a year free of the opera stage in 2008 to concentrate on some other projects. ‘The importance of opera is slipping from the diary and there may be a change in 2008. I want a year that’s clear of opera, to concentrate on concerts and radio and TV work’.”