It is no secret that African Americans are woefully underrepresented in American orchestras. Since the practice of using blind auditions began in the 1970s and ‘80s, the percentage of female musicians has grown six-fold, from 5 to 30. … » Read

In interviews with colleagues, French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard is invariably cited as a generous collaborator as well as a good friend and deep thinker. The October 25 Zankel Hall duet recital with Serbian pianist Tamara Stefanovich was an … » Read

The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ASCO) indicates that its Executive Director Mitch Menchaca will exit at the end of November to become executive director of arts and culture for the City of Phoenix, AZ. The search for his … » Read

On Oct. 28 Richard Gill, much beloved conductor and educator, died at age 76 in his Sydney home. His influence in his native Australia was enormous. At various times he was the founder and first artistic director of Victorian Opera, director of … » Read

At its annual meeting on Oct. 24, the Canadian Opera Company (COC) announced a small operating surplus for its recently concluded fiscal year. While a surplus of any size is cause for celebration—the COC’s totaled $6,000 on a budget … » Read

Charlotte, NC-based Opera Carolina, now in its 70 th season, has a new executive director in Beth Hansen , a former board member and corporate attorney. James Meena is artistic director.  The company had been thinking about a two-headed … » Read

A second allegation of sexual assault against countertenor David Daniels [pictured] has led a University of Michigan (UM) graduate student to file a federal lawsuit against the university for failing to enforce its policies against sexual … » Read

Hungarian State Opera and Hungarian National Ballet has moved into the former New York State Theater, preparing for a 13-day residency that begins October 30 with the U.S. premiere of Bánk bán (“The Viceroy … » Read

Lacey Huszcza [pictured], longtime associate executive director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, is to be the executive director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, as of December 1. She has been in her current job for 13 years, serving for a … » Read

The Royal Opera recently introduced Opera Dots, a new program for children ages three months to five years, to begin cultivating future audiences. Workshop participants imitate costumed performers who use song and dance to portray classic … » Read