Orange Prize To UK’s Tremain

“Rose Tremain is one of Britain’s most celebrated authors and yet her latest novel, the recipient of rave reviews, was not even longlisted for the Man Booker prize. So… it was a case of patience rewarded when she won the £30,000 Orange Broadband prize for fiction with The Road Home.”

Europe Warming Up To American-Style Fundraising

“The very notion of hitting up private companies and rich people for money, of setting up boards of trustees and answering to them, the way American cultural organizations do, appalled” many in Europe’s cultural sphere only a few years ago. But times are changing, and as government subsidies dwindle, arts groups across Europe are clamoring for private funds.

Osaka Orchestra Turns To Public After Gov’t Cuts

“The Century Orchestra Osaka has announced plans for a new supporters’ club to raise funds to help the ensemble survive a financial crisis brought on by the withdrawal of subsidies from the Osaka prefectural government. With an annual membership fee of just 1,000 yen… it is hoped the club will attract enough members to ease the financial strain threatening the orchestra’s existence.”

A Different Kind Of Virtuoso Fiddler

If you’re looking for evidence that classical music stars need not be stunningly beautiful women in low-cut dresses to be successful in the 21st century, you could do worse than Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos. Unlike some soloists, Kavakos is all about substance, a reputation shaped by a demanding series of teachers and a devotion to the folk melodies of his home country.