Stories

Is It Important To Distill One’s Philosophy To A “Saying”?

When I think of sayings, I think first of the early Greek philosophers—the so-called pre-Socratics—whose ideas, if they wrote them down at all, survive as elusive fragments of text. - The Point

What Does It Mean For Writing To Be “Great”?

The Swedish Academy is not here to tell you what writers you might like. Greatness is not the same as popularity. It may even be the opposite of popularity... Great writers are the ones who matter whether you read them or not. - The New York Times

Discovering The Ruins Of One Of Shakespeare’s Playhouses Changed Our Understanding Of Theatre History

"There was a received narrative that proper playhouses start off round and then just get bigger, with the pinnacle of that evolution being the Globe. And all of a sudden we’ve got this early, yet long-lived, rectangular structure. ... This has changed our understanding of theatre development." - The Guardian

Exploring The Dudamel Phenomenon

Not since Leonard Bernstein has a conductor done as much as Dudamel to make classical music accessible — or so thoroughly captured the public imagination. The two maestros share a not just persuasive but borderline evangelical approach to relentlessly promoting music as a “fundamental human right." - Billboard

President Emmanuel Macron On France’s Support For The Arts Amid The Rise Of The Far Right

"I don’t think it can ever be taken for granted. Decisions could be made in a rash manner. I don’t think everyone is pleased that France has such a lively, pluralistic, irreverent culture. ... That’s the strength of a country." - Variety

Cincinnati Symphony Concert Series Goes Immersive And Interactive

"Still largely experimental, (CSO Proof concerts) might include elements of dance, lighting, theater and atmosphere to accompany a short program of classical music. The goal is to … engage audiences who might never have considered going to the symphony or even to Music Hall." - Cincinnati Business Courier

Salman Rushdie Is Working On His First Volume Of Fiction Since He Was Almost Murdered

Speaking by videolink from New York to the Lviv BookForum, the author revealed that the book will be a trilogy of novellas about "the three worlds in my life: India and England and America. And they all in some way consider the idea of an ending." - The Guardian

Astral Artists, Philadelphia’s Agency For Budding Classical Stars, Is Shutting Down

"Astral Artists, the small but important Philadelphia arts group that has boosted careers and fostered artistic development of classical musicians nationally, is shutting down. ... The group will produce two more concerts this fall, set the musicians from its current roster on a path, and then close its doors." - The Philadelphia Inquirer (MSN)

Israeli Air Strikes In Lebanon Nearly Hit Ancient Ruins At Baalbek

"Lebanese Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada has called for international action after an Israeli airstrike hit perilously close to Baalbek, a triad of Imperial Roman temples and UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Lebanon. Local media reported that the strike landed only 500 meters away from the ruins." - ARTnews

Studio Museum Of Harlem Will Open Its New Building In Fall 2025

"Its first show there will bring the museum full circle by focusing on the work of Tom Lloyd, the artist, educator and activist who was featured in the 1968 opening exhibition of the institution — which was then just a second-floor rented loft on upper Fifth Avenue." - The New York Times

Philadelphia Orchestra To Tour To China For Record 13th Time

"After scrapping its 50th anniversary tour of China in 2023, the Philadelphia Orchestra is picking up where it left off. The full ensemble will travel to China later this month — its 13th visit, the most of any American orchestra." - The Philadelphia Inquirer (MSN)

Longtime Houston Alley Theatre Managing Director To Step Down

The Alley put out a press statement that included a long list of financial achievements during the years Dean Gladden has been managing director. When he came to the Alley the Houston theater was facing an $800,000 deficit. "The Alley now boasts financial reserves exceeding $5 million." - Houston Press

The Fake Van Goghs That Fooled The Experts

Experts at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam say three paintings in private collections previously believed to be by the artist are fakes, including one that was authenticated by the museum and sold for nearly $1 million at Christie’s in 2011. - Hyperallergic

The Case For Why Painting Still Matters

In an age of cold digital screens and AI-enhanced visual manipulation, we have been told that canvas, oil and pigment are becoming irrelevant, or somehow reactionary. But the public has never really noticed this. - New Statesman

When Texas Cities Cut Arts Funding, Who Loses?

"The last decade has seen substantial growth in many Texas cities, and with that has come growth in city funding of the arts. However, over the last few months we’ve seen arts organizations in Houston, Lubbock, and Fort Worth affected by city government decisions. ... Who loses when arts funding is cut?" - Glasstire

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