The invitation for Caterina Barbieri to lead the Music Biennale gave “a platform to another side of contemporary music that is generally excluded from these more institutional places.” There is “another scene that often doesn’t get taken quite as seriously because it’s not as technically virtuosic.” - The New York Times
“The strike will be held on Friday 17 October, the date of the opera house’s first performance of a run of Alban Berg’s Wozzeck, which will close its 2024-25 season. The theatre’s musicians and staff have for months called for Beatrice Venezi’s appointment as music director to be revoked.” - The Guardian
A group of independent music venues in Chicago have come together to protest the building of Lincoln Yards, a $5 billion new development on the city's North side, which is set to include three to five new concert halls run by Live Nation. - Pitchfork
“James Meena, former principal conductor and artistic director for (the Charlotte-based company), said he took to Facebook to refute ‘unsubstantiated rumors’ by (board members and staffers) at the opera company that he stole money from the group and that artists weren’t paid because of that.” - The Charlotte Observer (Yahoo!)
“I’ve been asked, straight up, if I could ‘handle’ composing for a big film because I’m a woman. I was asked that after I won the Oscar (for Joker). This isn’t ancient history.” - The Hollywood Reporter
Countless casual classical listeners will tell you they hate the “new stuff.” When asked for an example, they’ll cite some highly dissonant music written between 40 and 80 years ago — in a “modern” style which hasn’t been dominant in contemporary classical music (in North America, at least) for decades. - The New York Times
Two things struck me about the launch of the Philharmonic season. First, the orchestra is embracing pluralism and diversity in the face of a right-wing Kulturkampf. - The New Yorker
At time of writing, over 24 different versions of the CD and vinyl have been released. These include different colour vinyls, different cover images, signed editions and, most recently, CDs with unique tracks that are not available on streaming platforms. - The Conversation
Paata Burchuladze, a 70-year-old bass who had a major international career, has become a leader of mass opposition to the government of the pro-Putin Georgian Dream party. On October 4 he led a large rally in Tbilisi which led to an attempt by crowds to take over the presidential palace. - Civil Georgia
“A team of musicologists has unearthed the printed score of a previously unknown Purcell song, as well as the original manuscript for various keyboard compositions, partly in the composer’s own hand – the first Purcell autograph to be found for more than 30 years.” - The Guardian
One artist who removed his music: “Spotify is going to have to make Herculean efforts to roll back tons of damaging choices they’ve introduced to their platform over the years. I don’t see that happening.” - The Verge (Archive Today)
“Two lighting technicians and a video operator bring the opera to its full pyrotechnic life. Hunched over banks of consoles, screens and keyboards, they execute a tight script as they manipulate videos, lights, scrims, screens, stage panels and dry ice.” - The New York Times
The city has had notable trouble keeping such a group. The long-established Newberry Consort performs earlier repertoire; Baroque Band folded in 2016; Haymarket sticks to opera; the long-dominant Music of the Baroque clings resolutely to modern instruments. Now a new group, Bach in the City, is giving things a go. - Early Music America
In the position, which runs for the next two seasons, the beloved composer for Studio Ghibli animated features will get a major commercial recording, curate a contemporary music concert series, provide mentorship for composition students, and conduct the world premiere of his Piano Concerto in spring 2027. - Moto Perpetuo
