Big Brother is Listening
Recently released documents by the FBI, in response to the Freedom of Information Act, show that Aaron Copland, the composer best known for originating a distinct American sound, was once under serious investigation for his involvement with the Communist party. Copland’s multiple testimonies swearing his own innocence, including one before Congress, never dissuaded the FBI from their own beliefs about his political persuasions; for a time, the Bureau even tried to bring charges of perjury and fraud against the composer. He was under scrutiny for his support of the Communist presidential candidate, for signing liberal petitions, and for giving speeches to suspected Communist groups. Copland also spent a considerable amount of time abroad, prompting the FBI to seek documentation of his activities. In the end, no legitimate proof was offered to convict Copland, and the only thing the FBI found Copland to be guilty of was association.
Three Mo’ Tenors Managed by Trawick Artists No Mo’
Trawick Artists have received notice from Victor Trent Cook, Rodrick Dixon and Thomas Young, also known as the Three Mo Tenors, that they no longer will be managed by Brenda Trawick. Trawick is hardly the first management company to lose the highly popular touring act, following in the wake of Edgework Productions and BT Productions, who are still in the middle of disputes relating to their previous business dealings with the group. William Morris Agency has apparently been given the rights to next season’s bookings of the Three Mo’ Tenors.
Disturbing Arts Funding Trend
Business Week is reporting that arts funding for this year has gone down by approximately one third. Bulletin Board has already published recent facts about cost-cutting measures undertaken by many organizations. One new addition is Nevada Opera, which has recently cut its staff from six full-time employees down to three. This downsizing trend is being attributed to the recent economic downturn and also to individuals and companies preferring to cut funding to the arts instead of to organizations that help the poor, such as the Salvation Army.
Anyone Want to Buy a Performance Hall?
Pittsburgh Symphony is looking for someone to buy their home of 36 years, Heinz Hall, for $40 million and then lease it back to them for $1 a year. After watching their funding fall from $132 million to $90 million in just the last few years, selling their hall may be just what they need, but they have yet to find a buyer. Of course, anyone with an extra $40 million could also invest in Classical Singer magazine’s office space, and we’d gladly lease it back for $1 a year.
Tower Records for Sale
Popular and classical music retailer Tower Records is officially looking for a buyer. Internet downloading sites and music discounters have handed the company four years of losses. While the company is not likely to go completely out of business in the near future, Tower Records’ difficulties are indicative of a troubled recording industry that has struggled to find profitability in the past few years.
NJ Governor Seeks to Restore Funding
After publishing a preliminary budget that eliminated all state funding for the arts, NJ governor McGreevey may be trying to change his mind. After receiving heavy flack from several community leaders for his decision, Governor McGreevey has suggested a plan to restore half of the state’s arts funding with a promise to work within the government to obtain the rest of the funds from a private source. While few people are happy about the funding cuts, the governor’s efforts to restore funding have generated some interest among several arts directors.
Pavarotti’s Second Farewell to the Met
Do you remember Pavarotti canceling his farewell performances of Tosca at the Met last year? He’s now booked for three more “farewell” performances of Tosca at the Met scheduled in March 2004, and ticket holders are hoping that he doesn’t catch the flu this time around. His two missed performances were supposed to have been his final appearances at the Met, ending an amazing string of 373 appearances since 1968. Apparently ticket holders aren’t the only ones upset at cancellations; Pavarotti also lost his long-time manager of 36 years due to unreliability and unpredictable cancellations of scheduled events. Still willing to risk the $1,800 for orchestra seats next March?
New Opera Depicting Terrorism?
Manifest Destiny is a new opera scheduled to debut sometime this fall in London, as reported by Reuters. The twist of this new work is the heroine is a suicide bomber in training attempting to avenge her Palestinian father’s death and who eventually ends up in Guantanamo Bay under U.S. Custody. We don’t mean to ruin any surprises, but as with most operas, she ends up dying in the end after realizing that love is more important than anything else. In response to a somewhat shocked response by audiences, the authors explain that the opera is an attempt to understand the human side of the terrorist mentality.
New Russian Arts Center to Honor Valery Gergiev
A new arts center is being built in the hometown of internationally known conductor Valery Gergiev. The new center will include an exhibition pavilion in addition to the concert hall and will be located in the southern Russian Ossentian capital of Vladikavkaz. The new center was announced during the conductors 50th birthday celebration, and final plans will be announced in the near future.
New Director for Dallas Opera
Karen Stone, currently with an Austrian Opera and Theatre Company, will take over the position of general director on August 15th. Stone has also directed the Cologne Opera Company. The former director, Anthony Whitworth-Jones, resigned last year after only two years in Dallas.
