The RPO findings show that there is a rising interest among young people – the nationally representative poll of 2,000 adults revealing that 89 per cent of adults would be interested in attending a concert or performance featuring classical or orchestral music. This figure is up from 79 per cent in 2018. - Gramophone
How Sheeran, a musician known for his crowd-pleasing, inoffensive everyman appeal, landed in this situation illustrates the hazards of planning a lucrative, global music tour at a time of intense geopolitical unrest and cultural division over violent conflicts. - The Wall Street Journal
“The basic disagreement is … not simply over a percentage raise. It is also over how much work the orchestra should be guaranteed and how the Opera should structure itself now that it stages far fewer operas than it once did.” - San Francisco Chronicle (Yahoo!)
Austrian media were reporting that there would be two leaders: stage director Barrie Kosky (artistic) and Dutch National Opera chief Sophie de Lint (administration). Negotiations with that pair collapsed at the last minute, so the Festival board turned to Peter de Caluwe, until last year director of La Monnaie in Brussels. - Moto Perpetuo
If we cannot even agree that classical music is indeed obscure to most people, how can we understand the current state of affairs so that we might do something about it? - San Francisco Classical Voice
“San Francisco Opera has canceled all performances through Sunday, Sept. 20, as its orchestra musicians remain on strike, putting the opening stretch of the company's 2026-27 season on hold.” - San Francisco Chronicle (MSN)
Jherrard Hardeman says he got two years of high praise from management; then, last September, he was abruptly told by the CEO to resign and Eastman barred him from its premises. Only later, he says, did he hear “rumors” accusing him of inappropriate conduct with minors, a charge he strongly denies. - WROC (Rochester)
Finneas was slated to open for Sheeran on six South American dates in late November and early December. In a post on social media, he announced his decision to drop out after Macklemore was kicked off the tour on Monday. - Variety
“Musicians and management of the Philadelphia Orchestra have struck a tentative agreement on a new three-year labor deal. The pact … would, if ratified, put the base minimum salary of orchestra members at $200,008 annually by the end of the contract.” - The Philadelphia Inquirer (MSN)
At 7:25 p.m., leaders of the opera walked onstage and told the patrons settling into their seats for an 8 p.m. performance that the opera had been canceled. An outdoor performance set for Sunday at Golden Gate Park, part of the opening festivities, was also called off. - The New York Times
Then an offshore hurricane hit. According to the festival: “Storm surf and runoff caused significant beach erosion and the festival can no longer be safely held as planned.” - Los Angeles Times
It’s rather simple: She speaks French. “She is bilingual and bicultural, as if she were two stars in one, with distinct careers that complement each other.” And French-speaking fans know her songs in both languages. - The New York Times
“Meadowlark’s kids transmit messages of bravery and courage and celebrate childlike wonder in a world determined to stamp it out. Ósk’s folkloric storytelling has created a deeply parasocial fandom, attracting followers who find solace in this outsider world.” - The Guardian (UK)
