Conductor Brian Stone has only been at the artistic helm of the Santa Monica College Symphony for two years. Now, for reasons at least one musician describes as “definitely a power struggle,” the school has opted not to renew his … » Read

I first heard María Dueñas in July at the Colmar International Music Festival in France. A thin pale girl in white, her straight black hair gathered in a ponytail, she looked frail and far younger than her 16 years as she stood … » Read

SALZBURG--There was a time a generation ago when Cecilia Bartoli's many U.S. fans could count on seeing her regularly in opera or in concert. The Italian mezzo-soprano noted for her warm sound, dramatic intensity, and dazzling coloratura agility … » Read

Stefani Matsuo, a member of the Cincinnati Symphony for four years, is the orchestra’s new concertmaster. She succeeds Timothy Lees, who stepped down last year due to medical issues. He had been with the orchestra for 20 years, albeit … » Read

The BBC Symphony Orchestra has a new “Creative Artist in Association.” Jules Buckley's primary function, given his track record with pop acts, will be to give the orchestra more of a mixed-genre profile, no doubt enhancing the … » Read

When Aretha Franklin died on Aug. 16, 2018, it appeared that the “Queen of Soul” had left no will . Had that been the case, under Michigan law each of her four sons would receive an equal share of an estate that could ultimately be … » Read

Tim McKeough has resigned as press director for the Metropolitan Opera; his last day is Friday, August 30. In the job since June of 2017 , McKeough, Australian by birth, is leaving to set up the New York office of WildKat PR, a London-based … » Read

SALZBURG, Austria — Plácido Domingo received a standing ovation as he took to the stage at the Salzburg Festival on Sunday, a concerted show of support at his first performance since nine women accused him of sexual harassment in a … » Read

Christopher Hoare, communications and IT chief for the HarrisonParrott artist management firm, has pleaded guilty to fraud. He was accused of embezzling 362,000 pounds (about $450,000) since 2010 for personal use. The prosecutor said: “He … » Read

Abigail Rollins is to be the executive director of the Berkshire (MA) Opera Festival as of September 3. She succeeds Claudia d’Alessandro, serving as interim; previously, cofounders Artistic Director Brian Garman and Director of Production … » Read