Across Florida, arts groups are scrambling after Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis unexpectedly vetoed $32 million in arts funding on June 12, eliminating all state grants for those organizations in a move that advocates say will devastate arts and culture in Florida. Among those affected are orchestras, opera and ballet companies as well as institutions like Itzhak Perlman’s The Perlman Music Program Suncoast in Sarasota. Read More →
Maurice Ravel
Ein Gericht in Nanterre/Frankreich hat die alleinige Urheberschaft des Boléro dem Komponisten Maurice Ravel zugeschrieben. Der Richter wies damit die Behauptung zurück, Ravel habe das Stück zusammen mit dem Bühnenbildner Alexander Benois geschaffen. Wenn Alexandre Benois als Mitautor anerkannt worden wäre, hätte das Werk bis 2039 tantiemenpflichtig bleiben müssen, da Benois erst 1960 starb. Read More →
Hermes Helfricht
(© Ovidiu Matiu
Der derzeit an der Oper Bonn engagierte 32-jährige Hermes Helfricht wird ab 1. August 2025 Generalmusikdirektor am Theater Hagen. Der aus Radebeul stammende Dirigent wird damit Nachfolger von Joseph Trafton, der das Theater zum Ende der nächsten Spielzeit 2024/25 auf eigenen Wunsch verlässt. Read More →
Italian tenor Lando Bartolini has died at the age of 87 at his home in the Tuscan town of Pistoia. The singer was best known for his roles in Verdi and Puccini operas, which he performed with his powerful voice. Read More →
Simon Rivard
(c) Tam Lan Truong
The Montreal-based Orchestre de la Francophonie and its co-founder, Jean-Philippe Tremblay have announced the return of Simon Rivard to lead the ensemble for the 2024 season. For the 34-year-old Canadian conductor, who had the opportunity to lead the ensemble in 2017, it’s a significant return: « It’s a tremendous honor for me to take up the torch of the Orchestre de la francophonie this summer, » says Simon Rivard. As a former participant and long-time friend of this organization, I have a deep attachment to its values and mission. »
The New Philharmonia Orchestra in Newton (Massachusetts) has named Venezuelan conductor Jorge Soto Music Director. He served as Principal Conductor since the 2020-21 season. Read More →
The Fremont Chamber Orchestra (Colorado) has announced violinist Byron Hitchcock as Music Director. A native of Wyoming, Hitchcock currently serves as concertmaster of Opera Colorado, Denver’s Inside the Orchestra, and of the Fort Collins Symphony.
Die Wiener Festwochen erreichten dieses Jahr eine Auslastung von 96%. Es wurden rund 100.000 Besucher gezählt. Rund 430.000 Zugriffe gab es auf die Streamings. Über eigene Social Media-Kanäle erreichten die Wiener Festwochen 1.5 Mio User.
Mozarteum, Salzburg
(c) Andreas Praefcke
Die Internationale Stiftung Mozarteum präsentiert in der kommenden Saison erstmals wieder die Reihe der Meisterkonzerte und erweitert damit das Konzertangebot in Salzburg beträchtlich. Read More →
The Fort Wayne Philharmonic (Indiana) announced they will be moving to a new home downtown. The plan is to repurpose a downtown building once owned by the University of St. Francis. The building will have administrative offices, but also a smaller performance space which will open them up to more programming.
