Do You Have to Pay DOUBLE Union Dues? AGMA vs. AFTRA
Traditionally, when a singer is on stage, she’s represented by AGMA. When that production is broadcast (Live from Lincoln Center, for example) she’s now covered by AFTRA. AGMA is challenging this notion, saying that limiting its abilities to cover singers in effect stops it from being able to provide the best contract negotiation, and forces singers to pay dues to two unions. AGMA hopes to consolidate its efforts with those of AFTRA in the future to provide a more fruitful solution.
Lincoln Center Update
Lincoln Center chairwoman Beverly Sills has officially handed in her resignation, effective May 1. Her intention is to give the board a deadline for picking her successor. Sills still plans to offer advice to the board but no longer wishes to be a front-lineman for the group.
New Turandot Breaks Traditions
Starting in September, the Rudas Theatrical Organization will take a production of Turandot on tour. It will be the first production to use a 180-member, all Chinese cast. Also breaking with tradition, instead of touring to opera houses and theatres, the production will be staged in stadiums and convention centers, and will offer up to 10,000 seats per performance. All of the cast members will be miked to compensate for poor acoustics in these venues.
Barenboim Takes Political Stance in Israel
Daniel Barenboim, artistic director of the Berlin’s Deutsche Staatsoper, has come out against Israeli Prime Minister Sharon, saying that Sharon should resign because he hasn’t accomplished his promised goal of establishing peace in Israel.
BMG Copyrights Promo CDs
BMG has announced that most of its upcoming promotional CDs will be encoded with copyright-management software to ensure that the music will not be pirated at online music swapping services. The software apparently will let the CD be copied only one time for personal use, and should in most cases be compatible with computer software to allow the CD to be played and copied onto only one computer.
Vancouver Doesn’t Like Pavarotti?
Pavarotti had to cancel a planned solo recital in Vancouver because locals only bought 25% of the tickets. Apparently the audience still felt a little stung after the touring Three Tenors New Year’s Eve concert, when the three stars left 15 minutes before midnight. Perhaps the low ticket sales are in retribution for the midnight snub they received from the famed Tenors earlier this year.
In the Napster World…
As the debate over it continues, Napster will probably be bought out for about $30 million by the Bertelsmann Corp., which has already invested heavily in the online music service. Bertelsmann plans to take Napster over completely and run with the new Napster, which will be a subscription-based service. The new Napster has had some trouble getting off the ground because the companies that sued it are refusing to grant music rights.
New Director at Opéra de Montréal
Opéra de Montréal has named Bernard Labadie as its new artistic director. Labadie is the founder and former conductor and artistic director of the Quebec City Chamber Orchestra, Les Violins de Roy.
Rebellion Among the Ranks!
The Nova Scotia Arts Council, which oversaw government spending on arts and culture, was ordered by the provincial cabinet to disband. The cabinet is planning to replace the arts council with another organization, after it declared the council’s actions to be illegal. However, the Board of Directors for the Nova Scotia Arts Council is refusing to step down. It has the support of local artists and musicians who feel the council has actually been giving them a voice in government.
Estranged Architect Returns to the Scene
Architect Joern Uzton is famous for two things: designing the Sydney Opera House and walking out on it halfway through construction due to his frustration with the government. Now, for the first time in 36 years, Uzton will return to Sydney and oversee the renovation of his building.
