LONDON—Alfred Brendel’s passing in 2025 robbed the world of one of the great 20th-century pianists and a truly original creative artist who impacted the careers of contemporaries and students alike. Czech-born in 1931, though mostly … » Read

In a move to update its image, the Celebrity Series of Boston today launches a new moniker, Vivo Performing Arts. With repeated assurances that the 87-year-old presenter would maintain a sterling artistic level, the announcement claims the new … » Read

John Harte has been named managing director of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). He succeeds Dame Kathryn McDowell , who will step down at summer’s end in 2026 after 20 years in the role. Harte comes to the LSO from the Aurora Orchestra … » Read

Tracy Wenckus began work as the interim general director of the Portland (OR) Opera as of January 1, 2026, succeeding Sue Dixon, who retired after six years in the job. Wenckus has been with the company since 1999 and is the current general … » Read

From May 15 to 24, the Cleveland Orchestra’s fourth edition of the annual Mandel Opera & Humanities Festival will explore the theme of Courage. Composer/jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard [pictured] will curate, and the focal point is … » Read

Banjo player Béla Fleck was to have performed his own arrangement of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the National Symphony Orchestra next month. But, like many before him, he has withdrawn due to the MAGA stronghold at the Center, … » Read

From July 10 to August 15, Chicago’s Grant Park Music Festival (GPMF) will present ten weeks’ worth of concerts at Millennium Park under the leadership of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero . All concerts are … » Read

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music-based entertainment company, has reached outside the company to appoint James Steven as its new executive vice president & chief communications officer. As of January 26, his new … » Read

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump may have his name on the building, but it’s still the Kennedy Center to Congress. A bipartisan spending package released Monday by House Speaker Mike Johnson includes $32 million for operating … » Read

Semyon Bychkov will succeed Gustavo Dudamel as music director of the Paris Opera starting in August 2028, the company’s General Director Alexander Neef said Tuesday. The 73-year-old Bychkov agreed to a four-year contract and will conduct … » Read