James Levine to Join Boston Symphony
In Sept ’04, James Levine will become the 14th music director of Boston Symphony, replacing Seiji Ozawa. He is not planning to reduce his performances with the Metropolitan Opera and has extended his contract there into ’08.
9/11 Prompts Cancellations
Two opera premieres have been cancelled out of respect for the September tragedy. John Adams’ The Death of Klinghoffer, commissioned by Boston Symphony, has been cancelled on account of its plot involving hijacking. Adams has responded angrily, accusing Boston of refusing to offer its audiences access to important issues and presenting escapist music instead. Houston Grand Opera has cancelled the premiere of Mark Adamo’s The Nude Goddess, scheduled to open in 2003, because of lack of funds. New York City Opera will premiere the work instead.
Lincoln Center Renovation Saga Continues
Only three weeks after the resignation of Lincoln Center’s president, the executive in charge of the Lincoln Center renovation, Marshall Rose, has resigned his position months before scheduled to do so. Rose resigned as a result of the bickering taking place in the committee, for which he had become something of a target. The plan has been scaled back to $1.2 billion to account for the economic slowdown after 9/11. A proposal has finally been sent to the city that leaves out the dome connecting the buildings as well as the separate facility for New York City Opera. However, $240 million is set aside for such a project in the future.
Arts Supporting Philanthropists on the Rocks?
As the economy starts slipping downwards, some companies are wondering if promised donations by supporting arts fans will come through. For example, one of the leading philanthropists of the arts, Alberto Vilar, was estimated in January of 2001 to be worth about $1 billion, making him the 236th richest American. He has a number of promised grants for various companies, such as the Metropolitan Opera, the Kennedy Center, etc. But now the economy has taken a turn for the worse, so has his net worth. Some of his financial investments, such as internet stocks, are down as much as 60%. He and others may not have the resources to follow through on promised grants.
Theater Audiences Shifting
Since 9/11, attendance at New York theater productions by foreign tourists is down by about 50% compared to a year ago, whereas attendance at the same productions by locals from the tristate area is up by 50%. While the theaters remain relatively full, producers are still worried by the lack of advance sales—those who do attend are buying their tickets at the last minute.
Record Labels Protecting CDs
Record companies have started experimenting with technologies embedded within CDs that prevent the discs from being copied or converted into MP3 files. In response, websites are springing up that point out which discs these are—they are also asking consumers to return such discs as ‘defective’ in protest. In some cases, the embedded technology prevents the CD from being played through a computer’s CD player. Universal Music Group hopes to have all its CDs protected by mid-2002.
The Brain of a Musician
Neuroscientists have become interested in the brains of musicians and how they process music differently than amateurs. According to MRI brain scans, musicians can hear music just by thinking about it, something that amateurs are unable to match. Listening and playing music is one of the few activities that uses multiple functions of the brain, including memory, learning, motor control, emotion, hearing and creativity. In an experiment, neuroscientists compared the brain patterns of eight professionals with eight amateurs while they attempted to tap out 16 measures of Mozart. The hearing sections of the professionals’ brains were the most active during the test, while the motor sections of the brain were most active with the amateurs.
Afghanistan Welcomes Back Music
Since the Taliban soldiers retreated from Afghan capitol from, the Afghan people have enjoyed the return of music to their country. Taliban rule banned any instruments and singing upon taking over in 1996. Before that, certain types of music had merely been restricted, yet the Taliban effectively ended music’s existence. Afghans found with cassette tapes were taken to prison, while musicians themselves fled the country, fearing for their lives. Since the Taliban have left, however, music has been playing at every street corner and musicians have enjoyed returning to their homeland.
LA Opera Frustrated with Director
Since Placido Domingo has been appointed as artistic director of Los Angeles Opera, the company has found itself a little frustrated at the singer’s absence. While they acknowledge that Domingo is doing wonderful things, they are very much in need of a director that is present. While Domingo has good intentions for the company, the other executives are coming to realize that he does not necessarily regard his presence as a necessary component of the position. Domingo is currently 61 years old and is still signing contracts for four years from now. Some are beginning to speculate as to whether his retirement is imminent. In response, Domingo says, “I never thought I would be able to sing beyond 60, I was thinking I would end my career before now. I don’t want to sing one day more than I should, but I also don’t want to sing one day less.”
Singers Fly Easy
As airport security has become tight, many instrumentalists are finding it extremely difficult to travel with their instruments. One Nashville concert mistress was told to put her million-dollar Stradivarius violin in cargo. Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary, was told to stow his guitar in cargo and has not seen it since. Yet more proof that you picked the right profession. No one will ever ask you to put your vocal chords in cargo.
Dallas Opera Settles Strike
In the midst of an economic slowdown, the orchestra of Dallas Opera started a strike at the beginning of the season. The company almost had to resort to using piano accompaniment for the season, but fortunately were able to come to an agreement. The musicians are getting a pay raise, as well as health and pension benefits for the first time ever.
Zankel Hall (Carnegie Basement) Delayed Again
The opening of the new 650-seat Judy and Arthur Zankel Hall in New York has been delayed until Sept ’03. While construction remains on schedule, Carnegie Hall executives are worried about being able to sell an additional 50,000 tickets per year. Once opened, the Hall will house Carnegie Hall’s educational programs as well as non-classical concerts.
Taking Measures Against Scalpers
As scalpers are collecting thousands in upgraded ticket prices, the producers of “The Producers” have decided to fight them by offering 50 premium tickets at $480 apiece to each show. As it is, scalpers have been known to buy tickets at the face value of about $100 and resell them at as much as $800. They are also fighting against a state law that prohibits the resale of tickets for more than 20% of face value.
