When British Prime Minister Boris Johnson took the stage for his keynote speech at the Conservative Party conference on Oct. 6 backed by the song “Blue Cassette,” he did so without permission from the tune’s creators, the indie … » Read

Just when it seemed safe to return to the concert hall, the arrival of the aggressive Delta strain of Covid-19 introduced a new round of uncertainty to the performing arts world. “You wake up every day, cross your fingers that they’ll … » Read

The Houston Symphony has reached its first ever five-year contract between management and the American Federation of Musicians, Local 65-699. Taking effect on October1, the new agreement extends through October 31, 2026. Three key elements in the … » Read

After management’s year-long attempt to get rid of its musicians’ union and their right to bargain collectively, and seven months on the AFM’s “unfair” list, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic finally has reached an … » Read

An onstage extra was killed on Saturday at the Bolshoi Theater, reportedly crushed by a piece of scenery. Media reports say the 37-year-old exited in the wrong direction during a scene change and a backdrop descended on him. The performance of … » Read

Another labor vs. arts management cliff-hanger has been resolved. Much as the Met Opera and its orchestra musicians reached accord within weeks of opening night, Kennedy Center and its stagehands have come to a meeting of the minds just four days … » Read

October 11 update : Please note that the labor issues at Kennedy Center have been resolved since this article appeared. See KenCen Stagehands Reach Accord. It is, unfortunately, no surprise to hear that the local union board of the International … » Read

The League of American Orchestras conducted a survey in late August/early September to determine vaccination, masking, and distancing policies among U.S. orchestra musicians, staff, and audiences. A total of 202 of the League’s 700 member … » Read

Portland’s Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall [pictured], home to the Oregon Symphony, has undergone a $9.6mn acoustical upgrade. Originally opened in 1928 as a vaudeville hall and then later changed to a movie theater, the building was … » Read

On Oct. 1 more than 600 people gathered for the formal opening of the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Music’s Billman Music Pavilion, a facility for music study, practice, and performance that adds 37,000-sq. ft. of new space to … » Read