What is an archive? In particular, what is an archive when it is of a writer, philosopher or other thinker? Certainly, it would be expected to contain their published works – these are, after all, for public consumption, they are written with the idea of an audience in mind. But what of the rest? - Aeon
"If ever a book ought not to be judged by its cover, Edgar Allan Poe’s debut collection, Tamerlane and Other Poems, is that book. Known as the Black Tulip, only twelve copies appear to have survived since its publication in July 1827." - Literary Hub
The situation has created a language crisis, in which Americans of all types and backgrounds use expressions of every provenance, destroying the power of slang to perform its basic function: to signal membership in a group. - The Atlantic
"The ballet is set to tour Plymouth, Edinburgh and Southampton before its official opening at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London on June 24 next year. It will then move to The Lowry in Salford. … Choreographer Paul Roberts and director Rob Ashford are at the helm of the creative team." - Variety
Bolstered by significant governmental support, European companies mostly appear to have returned to a pre-pandemic status quo. A recent visit to Germany found both the Hamburg and Berlin Staatsopers fearlessly mounting challenging operas of questionable popular appeal. - The Observer
"Twelve culture secretaries in 14 years invites ridicule. … Unlike in ... countries where culture is openly embraced by politicians, in the UK, it has a tendency to embarrass (them). … Only in the UK perhaps would a sector which delivers so much to so many be constantly required to justify its existence." - The Guardian
The musicians’ base salary has hovered at or below $110,000 for about 15 years, with musicians handing over concessions during lean years and market downturns with the understanding that they would be restored later. Due to inflation, however, even a fairly stable salary means that their salary’s buying power has decreased steadily. - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"Aiming to welcome more than 800,000 visits annually, Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre will be home to more than 260 indoor and outdoor performances annually, across three theatres, totaling 3,000 seats. Each theatre promises an immersive experience by blending physical and digital elements." - The National (Abu Dhabi)
U.S. charitable giving declined by 2.1% to US$557 billion in 2023, but the flow of funds began to stabilize following several years of volatility. - The Conversation
The traditional Mexican music was first introduced at a public school in 1969. Now there are dozens of classes in the region's middle schools, high schools, and even universities. After years of fighting for legitimacy, mariachi has joined band, choir, and orchestra as a pillar of music education. - San Antonio Report
"Uri Berliner, NPR’s former senior business editor who criticized the organization for progressive biases in a Free Press op-ed, has joined the outlet (as a senior editor). … 'I’m joining The Free Press because it provides America with groundbreaking, fearless, and independent-minded journalism,' Berliner said in a statement." - TheWrap
State authorities released a statement saying, "The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office looked into the Graceland matter, and it quickly became apparent that this was a matter best suited for federal law enforcement." - The Commercial Appeal (Memphis)
"(Eike) Schmidt, who was backed by Italy's right-wing national coalition led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, secured 39.4% of the vote, behind Social Democrat Sara Funaro with 60.6%. … Florence, a city with a population of 360,000, is seen as a left-wing bastion, and Funaro's victory had been widely predicted." - DPA (Yahoo!)
"The contract, known as the Basic Agreement, affects about 50,000 crew members who belong to 13 different West Coast-based (IATSE) union locals, including art directors, set painters, editors, camera technicians, costume designers, hair stylists and make-up artists." - AP
The current contract, for one year, expires August 31; PSO management and the musicians' union are now negotiating what will be the first multi-year contract since COVID. This is at a time when the players in peer orchestras have been getting double-digit-percentage raises to make up for pandemic cuts. - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
