COVID-19 continues its merciless march: The latest casualty is Simon Rattle, who has tested positive and so cancelled all concerts as he recovers at home with mild symptoms. Impacted as a result are programs with the London Symphony Orchestra (of … » Read

Film music, an essential component of the motion picture art, has often been considered the musical equivalent of a red-headed step child—underappreciated and not quite up to classical standards. Ironically, these days, writes Mark Swed for … » Read

“Curtis at 92Y,” a new collaboration between Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music and the 92 nd Street Y, will offer performances, classes for schoolchildren, adult education, mentorship, and more while providing Curtis with … » Read

On Nov. 30 Véronique Lacroix, artistic director and founder of L’Ensemble contemporain de Montréal (ECM+), told a stunned audience that the ensemble would be shutting down, most likely after a final concert. “We worked … » Read

The unprecedented partnership created by a generously endowed conservatory (San Francisco Conservatory of Music, or SFCM) purchasing a Covid-vulnerable artist management firm (Opus 3) has new leadership. David Stull—president of SFCM and … » Read

Opera Australia is hoping the third time is the charm. After twice postponing its premiere of the world’s first fully digital production of Der Ring des Nibelungen , it has scheduled Wagner’s iconic tetralogy for December 2023 at … » Read

Opening night of Tosca at the Royal Opera House on December 5 has been cancelled, as has the dress rehearsal of December 2. The reasons are twofold: a lbackstage labor shortage and the encroaching strains of Covid-19.  The production will … » Read

The Covid-19 situation in Central Europe is, once again, having a major impact on life in the performing arts. The Paris Opera Orchestra, which started a tour November 19 in Toulouse, has had to postpone a number of concerts along the way, … » Read

Revenue for U.S. orchestras  is beginning to recover as they resume performing before live audiences. According to “ Orchestras in Recovery ,” released by TRG Arts and the League of American Orchestras, ticket sales have been … » Read

Even in the best of times, being an arts presenter that relies on international artists is not for sissies. “You have to remember,” says Rupert Hemmings, LA Opera’s VP of artistic planning, “even in a perfect world … » Read