St. Louis Symphony Signs New Five-Year Contract With Musicians

“The main points of the contract are financial. There will be pay increases averaging 2.8 percent annually, for an increase in the minimum scale from $86,053 in fiscal 2017 to $98,304 in fiscal 2022, and a half-percent increase in the pension contribution rate starting in the contract’s third year. Work rules will also be adjusted, permitting more flexibility in scheduling and in how the orchestra is used, more efficiency in rehearsals, adding personal days for the first time, and increasing flexibility in touring rules.”

How Many Trump Neologisms Can The OED Fit Into Its Newest Edition?

If nothing else, Brexit and Trump are endless sources of new words: “Trumponomics (the president’s economic policy), trumpertantrum (angry early-morning tweeting laced with innuendo and falsehood) and trumpkin (a pumpkin carved to resemble the former TV host) are among neologisms added to a watchlist of words that may be fast-tracked into the Oxford English Dictionary. “

Princess Di Deserves Better Than A Tacky Bronze Statue

The Guardian’s art critic isn’t mincing words. “For William and Harry to announce they are going to commission a public statue is a smack in the face for any idea that modern British art is democratic and egalitarian. The royals are weighing in on art, and their commission – with what is ultimately our money – looks as if it will be an unmediated expression of their personal taste. Clearly, their choice of art will be influential and powerful. It could also be stupid.”

Making Baghdad’s Walls Beautiful Again

Image of Hope came about because of this: “Baghdad became increasingly divided into neighbourhoods, separated by brick walls. The once lively and energetic city started to lose its character and atmosphere. The walls did not only serve security purposes, but political and armed groups also used them as canvasses for sectarian slogans and political propaganda.”

In A Time Of Nativism, A Challenge For The International Art World

Or not? “‘Art is a transcontinental commodity,’ said William Weston, a specialist dealer in modern prints. … ‘Nationalism won’t harm its trading position. It won’t affect the market in New York or London. Americans won’t stop buying David Hockney because he’s a British artist.'”