Slipped Disc

Sources close to the Indianapolis Orchestra, which parted with its British president last night, suggest that Simon Crookall's resignation may be linked to the strange disappearance of artistic administrator, Martin Sher. A well-liked industry figure, Sher is listed in his job by the LOA, but has vanished from the Indy site. His tweet last night may express satisfaction at Crookall's departure. Here's what he … [Read more...]

The Hungarian airline Malev ceased trading this morning. It had been ordered to pay back loans from the EU and could not meet the deadline. Here's the BBC report. All planes are grounded. Those abroad may be held against debt. Here's Bloomberg. This may be one more sign of pressure mounting on Victor Orban's proto-fascist regime. … [Read more...]

Has this guy auditioned yet for Paul Mealor? He can do the low C, if his youtbe performance can be believed. A little stretch might take Paul David Kennamer Jr right down to E, which is what Decca are looking for. Thanks to Tristan Jakob-Hoff for the tip. … [Read more...]

He's touched the keys again, masterclassing in Barcelona.   Apparently he's quite busy on the lecture-demo circuit. Next stop: Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, Feb 24. … [Read more...]

If you can, Decca want to hear from you. Will-and-Kate wedding composer Paul Mealor has written something that goes right off the scale and needs a latterday Chaliapin to bring it off. Please do not try this at home. Read on here. … [Read more...]

It's the house's second full-size rehearsal space. Ironic, for a company that prides itself on staging unrehearsed revivals. Intendant Dominique Meyer says he wants to put on more children's opera. Read on. … [Read more...]

Dieter Kosslick has flown to Budapest today to show solidarity with Hungarian filmmakers who are suffering rightwing political pressure and government cuts. He will also denounce the appointment of two outspoken racists to run the important New Theatre, he told German radio.   … [Read more...]

Indianapolis has parted company with Simon Crookall after seven years. His departure is described as 'abrupt' and 'surprising'. Neither side will say more. Crookall, 51, previously ran the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for nine years. In the Indy job, he replaced Mario Venzago as chief conductor with Krzysztof Urbanski after much turbulence. He has struggled since with a $100 million fundraising campaign (the Indy Star reports $100,000). The orch overspent its budget last year by $1.7 … [Read more...]

This is a relay of the New Year's Day world premiere of Glass's new symphony from Linz. There's a Beethoven 8th and a lot of German continuity to wade through first but, if you're a Glass fan, you won't be bothered by long stretches of things you didn't pay to hear. Click here. It's in Dolby surround sound.   … [Read more...]

While husband Fabio conducts the Met's blundering ring, Barbara Luisi is setting up an exhibition of her photographs next door, with musical accompaniment: PEARLS, TEARS OF THE SEA Photographs by Barbara Luisi with song settings of Heaven has Shed a Tear (Rückert) and The Sea Hath Its Pearls (Heine) by Robert Schumann, Max Reger, Fabio Luisi, and Bruce Adolphe Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano Michael Slattery, tenor Kristin Lee, violin Marija Stroke, piano Thursday March 15 at 7 … [Read more...]