“The $100,000 2016 Vilcek Prize in Theatre, presented to an immigrant artist with a record of major achievement, is awarded to Blanka Zizka, artistic director of the Wilma Theatre.” The Vilcek Prizes honor scientists and artists who have immigrated to the U.S. The prizes focus on a different discipline each year; among previous winners are Mike Nichols, Yo-Yo Ma, and Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Murray Louis, 89, Choreographer With Comic Flair
“The son of a Brooklyn baker who won acclaim as a brilliantly nimble dancer and a quirky and often surprising choreographer, … Louis and the choreographer Alwin Nikolais had been artistic collaborators and companions for more than 40 years.”
Baltimore Symphony CEO Takes New Position At Utah Symphony And Opera
“Paul Meecham, who became president and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra a decade ago after a period of high deficits and rocky morale, and quickly corrected its course, is stepping down at the end of June to take a similar position with the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera.”
Cypress String Quartet Is Disbanding After 20 Years
“The moment of truth came last summer. For months the group had considered ending their run. No one person led the way. … All options were considered, including bringing in replacements – as problematic as that might be. The quandary included subtle cracks in the foundation, including the normal wear and tear and frustration that occur in any group, particularly in one so often like a marriage.”
Top Posts From AJBlogs 02.02.16
Irvine asks: Is there an issue in the arts field more urgent than engagement? My answer: Yes.
A couple weeks back the Irvine Foundation launched an online Q&A series, Are We Doing Enough? – aimed at “exploring tough questions about engagement practices and programming.” … read more
AJBlog: Jumper Published 2016-02-02
Definitions, Again
Last November Matt Lehrman, author of Audience Wanted, ran a series of posts attempting to address the meaning of “audience engagement.” The need to do so will probably never end, as we have so many … read more
AJBlog: Engaging Matters Published 2016-02-02
MoMA’s New Expansion Plan: Another Reality Check for Diller Scofidio + Renfro
Once again, with the recent revisions to the Museum of Modern Art’s expansion plans, Diller Scofidio + Renfro‘s transgressively creative but farfetched architectural follies have been (mercifully) abandoned. All I can say is: I told you so. … read more
AJBlog: CultureGrrl Published 2016-02-02
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Domestic Violence, Homophobia, Arranged Marriage – A South African Take On ‘Swan Lake’
In dancer and choreographer Dada Masilo’s version, “her Odette is married off to Siegfried, who is in love with Odile. The catch: Odile is a man, although Ms. Masilo has him dance on point and, like all the swans, wear a tutu. The three principal characters are victims of social convention. As in the original ballet, it doesn’t end happily.”
James Levine Was About To Retire From The Met Opera – Until A Visit To His Neurologist
“His long-standing health woes seemed to worsen this season to the point that singers and musicians were having difficulty following his conducting. But then … the doctor gave Mr. Levine an 11th hour reprieve, saying that [his] most serious problems could probably be solved by adjusting the dosage of a medication that he has been taking to treat his Parkinson’s disease.”