UK Culture Minister Ed Vaizey encourages theatres, galleries and other cultural venues to seek private funding as government and council grants are cut. Mr. Vaizey said every arts organization in BG should be able to attract philanthropy. He did not say, however, if in case of a completely privatized arts organization, he would shut down his then superfluous ministry.
Andrzej Panufnik
A host of high-profile concerts and events take place for the 100th anniversary of the birth of the distinguished international composer Sir Andrzej Panufnik (Sept 1914 – Oct 1991). Born in Poland, he spent half his life working in England and was knighted for his services to British music in his last year. Read More →
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association announced that the Zell Family Foundation has made a $17 million contribution to the CSOA’s endowment and general operating funds. This gift provides for the naming, in perpetuity, of the position of Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which has been held by Riccardo Muti since 2010. Read More →
Ludwig van Beethovens nun 200 Jahre alte Oper ‘Fidelio’ wird ab dem 28. Juni sieben Mal im Hof des ehemaligen Zuchthauses Cottbus aufgeführt. Dabei werden Musik und Wirklichkeit sehr eng verbunden, denn als Theaterkulisse dient nicht anderes als das größte politische Gefängnis der ehemaligen DDR. Singen war dort einst verboten. Read More →
Peter Seabourne
UK composer Peter Seabourne continuous his ‘Steps’ piano series with Italian record label Sheva. This is a set of large scale piano cycles, currently standing at five volumes. Volumes 2 and 3 are already released. Volume 4 is recorded and manufactured ready for general release in July; Volume 5 will be recorded in January 2015 and Volume 1 soon after. ‘Steps’ stands apart from much in contemporary music. Pianist Max Lifchitz says: « Seabourne’s compositional style reveals rigorous craft and respect for tradition. His music wilfully disregards recent stylistic trends; however, it sounds distinctively modern. Unlike a lot of contemporary music, Seabourne’s writing rewards both the accomplished performer and the attentive listener. » Read More →
Lorin Maazel
Der seit Monaten schwer erkrankte Lorin Maazel (84) ist von seinem Posten als Chefdirigent der Münchner Philharmoniker zurückgetreten. Maazels Vertrag wäre eigentlich noch bis 2015 gelaufen. Danach sollte er von Valery Gergiev abgelöst werden.
Der österreichische Geiger Andreas Großbauer wird am 1. September neuer Vorstand der Wiener Philharmoniker. Er folgt damit auf Clemens Hellsberg, der dieses seit 1997 ausübt. Neuer Geschäftsführer der Philharmoniker wird Harald Krumpöck in der Nachfolge von Dieter Flury. Das hat eine Wahl des Orchesters am Mittwoch ergeben.
Nicole Paiement
The Dallas Opera has announced the appointment of the company’s first Principal Guest Conductor. The post is taken over immediately by Canadian conductor Nicole Paiement (*1959) who is known for a vast expertise in the field of opera, specializing in contemporary music. She will work closely with Music Director Emmanuel Villaume and Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny on a host of upcoming projects. Read More →
Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos
(c) Dresdner Philharmonie
Der heute verstorbene Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos war von 2004 bis 2011 Chefdirigent der Dresdner Philharmonie. Mit dem Orchester hat er während dieser Zeit fünf Einspielungen veröffentlicht und war auch im Anschluss an diese Tätigkeit gern gesehener und häufiger Gast in Dresden. Das Orchester beklagt den Tod des Dirigenten in einer Pressemitteilung. Read More →
Italian bass Ivo Vinco died last Sunday at the age of 86 in Verona. Born in 1927, Vinco first studied at the Liceo Musicale in Verona, then at the opera school of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. He made his professional debut in Verona, as Ramfis in Aida, in 1954. He quickly sang all over Italy and began an international career which took him to the most important opera houses. Read More →
