“Milan’s Orchestra Sinfonica ‘Giuseppe Verdi’ has chosen the 35-year-old Chinese Xian Zhang as its musical director. The conductor, a mother with a two-month-old baby, is the first woman to hold such a post in Italy.” Zhang has just finished her term as assistant conductor to Lorin Maazel at the New York Philharmonic.
Tag: 04.06.09
Barbarians Inside The Gates – David Denby Rails Against The New Pop Criticism
“There is nothing new in the use of brutal sarcasm and ad hominems to attack your enemies. What Denby laments is the way technology has empowered the snarky critic to take shots at the powerful and influential, allowing the democratization of published cruelty.”
No Contract Renewal For Honolulu Symphony Executive Director
“[Tom] Gulick’s three-year contract expires June 30, but he could step down earlier should his ‘next employment opportunity require his presence elsewhere prior to that date,’ according to Peter Shaindlin,” the orchestra’s board chairman, who “called Gulick’s departure ‘amicable’.”
Consumer Group Objects To Google Book Settlement
“[T]he consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog has sent a letter to the Justice Department asking the department to delay the settlement, which still needs court approval.” The organization wants to ensure that the agreement raises no barriers for any future competitor to Google.
Barenboim To Make Egyptian Debut
“Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim will hold a concert in Egypt on April 16, two months after a first appearance was cancelled due to the Gaza conflict … The concert, Barenboim’s first in Egypt, has ruffled feathers in intellectual circles, with music critic Amgad Mustafa describing the visit as ‘sneaky normalisation’ with Israel.”
Dallas Center Plans New Broadway Series At New Opera House
“The Lexus Broadway series is going to add some spice to the grandeur of the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts’ new Winspear Opera House in its inaugural season [beginning this fall].” The series will include two-week runs of South Pacific, August: Osage County, Spring Awakening and Avenue Q.
Atlanta Ballet Names Interim Executive Director
Virginia Hepner, who has led several boards of directors in metro Atlanta, steps into the job on May 1. She replaces Barry Hughson, who is taking over the much-larger Boston Ballet.
Canada Promises $100 Million For Festivals
“Canada’s major festivals can breathe a sigh of relief. The federal government has confirmed it will spend $100 million over the next two years to give marquee events a boost during these tough economic times.”
Equity Buys A Stake In Chicago Theatre: Its Own Building
“Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States, has purchased its own building on Randolph Street just a block or two west of the core of Chicago’s theater district. … Equity is considering moving some of the union’s national back-office functions from New York to Chicago.”
Moral Of The Story: Don’t Review Your Bosses’ Pirated Film
Entertainment blogger Roger Friedman “has parted company with Fox News after a controversial post in which he reviewed a leaked, incomplete version of 20th Century Fox’s ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine.'” The post “drew instant fire from the blogosphere for what was seen as a tacit promotion of the download” and “was particularly bothersome to News Corp., the parent company of both Fox News and 20th Century Fox.”