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MUSIC

Washington National Opera To Leave The Kennedy Center

The resolution calls for the opera to move its performances out of the Kennedy Center’s 2,364-seat Opera House as soon as possible and to reduce the number of performances as a cost-saving measure. Opera officials said that new sites in Washington have been lined up but that no leases have been signed. - The New York Times

Philanthropist Ensures Live Orchestra For San Diego Opera

On Monday, San Diego Opera announced that Jacobs has committed $4.5 million to establish The Joan and Irwin Jacobs San Diego Symphony and San Diego Opera Collaboration Fund. - San Diego Union-Tribune (MSN)

One Of America’s Top Luthiers Is Still Picking Up The Pieces After Last Year’s L.A. Fires

Mario Miralles has made violins and cellos for everyone from Yo-Yo Ma and Anne Akiko Myers to principals in the Los Angeles Philharmonic to students to Gustavo Dudamel. His home and studio were in Altadena, and he lost years’ worth of carefully sourced wood, instrument diagrams, and almost everything else. - The New York Times

Universal Music Chief Warns About “Irresponsible” Business Models For Music Taking Hold

“Let me be clear: UMG will not stand by and watch irresponsible business models take hold, models that devalue artists, fail to provide adequate compensation for their work, stifle their creativity and ultimately, diminish their ability to reach fans.” - Music Business Worldwide

Vancouver Symphony Backs Down, Says It Won’t Require NDAs In Harassment Settlements

On Tuesday, the VSO issued an open letter saying it would be ending the use of confidentiality agreements in cases of sexual misconduct, unless it is specifically requested by the complainant. - CBC

Frank Gehry-Designed Concert Hall For Wimbledon Will Go Ahead

The local council governing the London suburb, along with the trust created for building the venue, have confirmed that planning and construction of the project will proceed despite Gehry’s death last month. - The Standard (London)

An “Existential Question” For Scotland’s National Orchestra?

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra's chief executive says that government funding of the group is the same amount as in 2009 — amounting to, adjusted for inflation, a 30% cut. He warns that the RSNO may have to switch from a salaried ensemble to a freelance model without a funding boost. - The Scotsman (MSN)

Béla Fleck Talks About Why He Canceled His Kennedy Center Concerts

“As this thing became more and more charged, it wasn’t any longer something where I’m under the radar playing this gig. I am actually taking a position by playing at the Kennedy Center now. By not canceling, I’m taking a position, and I don’t want to take that position.” - The Washington Post (MSN)

How Hard Is The Training To Become A Peking Opera Star? This Hard.

Zhang Wanting spent an entire semester practicing standing on one foot on a three-inch chair handle while lifting her other leg backward and leaning forward with an arched back. And that was maybe the easiest of the tricks she had to learn just with the chair, leaving aside all the other skills necessary. - AP

How Great Musicians Steal

“I suppose a composer imagines a certain piece of music for certain instruments; he has a sound picture and wants the things that instrument can do. But that doesn’t negate the situation where you make a new sound picture, perhaps with the same materials. - Early Music America

“Performing There Has Become Charged And Political”: Béla Fleck Cancels Kennedy Center Concerts With National Symphony

The 17-time Grammy-winning banjoist said, "Performing there has become charged and political, at an institution where the focus should be on the music. I look forward to playing with the NSO another time in the future when we can together share and celebrate art." - San Francisco Chronicle (Yahoo!)

Meet The Goth Godmother Of New American Opera

“Twenty years ago, (Beth) Morrison had nothing in the bank. Just ambition, a belief in opera as theater and a high-flown goal to ‘change this art form.’ Still, she founded Beth Morrison Projects. Since then, she has worked nearly around the clock to shepherd dozens of new operas into existence.” - The New York Times

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Files Restraining Order Against Violinist

The orchestra alleges that Hwang, who was sexually assaulted by a senior player in the orchestra in 2017 and 2018, breached an NDA she signed following the incident. - The Violin Channel

After 50 Years, Grammy Category For Best Album Cover Is Back

“In recent years, covers had been assessed as part of the best recording package category, which considers all physical materials and images. … Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. (said) the split is an effort to recognize the impact of cover art in the digital age.” - AP

At Paris Opera, Semyon Bychkov Will Succeed Gustavo Dudamel As Music Director

“The 73-year-old Bychkov agreed to a four-year contract (starting in August 2028) and will conduct two operas and six symphonic concerts per season, (general director Alexander) Neef said.” Until then, Bychkov will remain music director of the Czech Philharmonic. - AP

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