Today’s AJ Highlights

Good morning: French president Macron’s idea to promote culture among young people was to offer students between 15 and 18 money to pay for culture. It’s expensive, costing the government €260m per year. And a study came out reporting that 70 percent of the culture young people bought is mangas and comic books. Perhaps not the culture Macron sought to promote. Moreover, “the system mainly benefits teenagers from educated and wealthy families, who already have access to comic books and movies.” So now the program is under threat of being defunded. More here.

  • Daniel Day-Lewis Ends His Seven-Year Retirement From Acting
    Daniel Day-Lewis, the three-time Oscar-winning actor, is returning to the screen after a seven-year hiatus. Read more on The Guardian.
  • Opera In The UK Is Suffering, Except At Glyndebourne
    As the British opera world faces severe financial crises, Glyndebourne Festival stands apart, continuing to thrive with private funding and minimal state support. This success highlights a unique business model amidst widespread industry challenges. Read more on The New York Times.
  • The Real Miracle of Notre-Dame: Rebuilding the Intricate Wood Frame
    The reconstruction of the Notre-Dame Cathedral has faced massive challenges, especially the task of recreating its iconic medieval wood frame. The effort involved sourcing ancient oaks and utilizing medieval tools to restore the Gothic masterpiece. Read more on GQ.
  • Who’s Funding the Arts? And Does It Need to Change?
    With decreases in corporate charitable giving, there are growing concerns about how the arts are funded. As philanthropy shrinks, some wonder if the current model is sustainable or if it’s time for a new approach. Read more on Esquire.
  • Ballet Star Steven McRae’s Three-Year Recovery from Career-Threatening Injury
    Steven McRae, Royal Ballet principal, reflects on his long recovery after his Achilles tendon snapped mid-performance. Following extensive surgery and rehabilitation, McRae, now 38, has made a triumphant return to the stage. Read more on inews.

As usual, the rest of the stories we collected are below. See you tomorrow.

Doug

Latest Stories

A Big Increase In The Number Of Books Published Last Year

The total number of books published in the U.S. in 2025 with ISBN numbers jumped 32.5% over 2024, to more than four million books, according to statistics compiled by Bowker. - Publishers Weekly

What’s The Proper Length For A Piece Of Theatre? Either Well Under Two Hours Or More Than Five

“The former is the perfect excursion. If it’s a bad show, you’re not held hostage for long; if it’s good, you can bookend the night with a meal and a drink — or go home for an early night. … Stretch longer — five hours and beyond — and...

Archaeologists Confirm Location Of The Lost City Of Ancient Alexandria

Alexandria on the Tigris (later renamed Charax Spasinou) was one of several major cities founded by the Macedonian general, the most famous of which is Alexandria in Egypt, today the country’s second largest metropolis. - ARTnews

Premium

The Cecilia Chorus of NY, Carnegie Hall, April 17.

The Cecilia Chorus of NY, Carnegie Hall, April 17. Pianist Simone Dinnerstein, guitarist David Leisner. Premieres by Robert Sirota; Mark Buller, Leah Lax, Beth Greenberg.

The Heifetz International Music Institute seeks Executive Director.

The next Executive Director will advance the organization’s mission, safeguard its financial and operational strength, and foster an environment in which artistic excellence thrives.

The Florida Orchestra seeks Vice President of Development.

The next Vice President of Development will play a central role in advancing the financial strength and long-term sustainability of The Florida Orchestra.

Director of Philanthropy – Ballet Arizona working with Management Consultants for the Arts

Celebrating its 40th year & launching a new artistic vision under Artistic Director Daniela Cardim, Ballet Arizona is poised for ambitious growth. The organization seeks

Grand Rapids Symphony – President & CEO

As it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2030, the Grand Rapids Symphony seeks a mission‑driven President & CEO to lead its next chapter of impact

Classifieds

Ukrainian musical mosaics in New York City

March 19–21: Ukrainian Contemporary Music Festival returns to DiMenna Center for Classical Music to celebrate the rich diversity of Ukraine's peoples, places, and musical practices