The Russian government recovers a stolen Franz Rubeau painting from Chechen rebels who planned to sell it for $1 million to help finance their war against the Russians. – The Art Newspaper
Tag: 06.08.00
ART DEBS
Now is the time of year when art schools present their degree shows – “the art world’s coming-out parties” – and dealers, curators, and collectors make the rounds looking for new talent. Royal College of Art grads in London are already fetching four-figure sums for their student work. What does this say about the fickle British art market? “If we have learned one thing from the sensational success of British art in the past decade, it is that talent or skill alone has nothing to do with becoming a famous artist. This is not because art is a con, but because it is an intellectual game. It’s a game of recognition, of constantly stretching the parameters of what can be defined as art.” – The Guardian
MUSICIANS PROTEST MOZART CUTS
Musicians of the Boston Pops orchestra are angry because conductor Keith Lockhart cut chunks of Mozart’s Synphonia Concertante so it would fit the timeframe of a concert. ”The mission of the Pops is not to present Urtext editions, but to present the audience with as wide a range of quality musical experiences as possible in a single concert,” says Lockhart. – Boston Globe
SETTLEMENT NEAR IN MP3.COM SUIT
“The proposed settlement calls for San Diego-based MP3.com to pay $75 million to $100 million to the Recording Industry Association of America, the trade group representing the labels, in exchange for the right to use the labels’ songs as part of the My.MP3.com service.” – Boston Globe
DREADING DVD
UK music retailers urged the nation’s leading record labels last month to release this fall’s new albums earlier than scheduled – out of fear that the British public is choosing to spend their leisure time and leisure pounds on DVDs and computer games instead of music. – The Herald (Glasgow)
THE FAMILY BUSINESS:
Neeme Järvi and his sons Paavo and Kristjan are founding something of a family dynasty – all three Estonian conductors are now music directors of American orchestras. – The Age (Melbourne) (AP)
BATTLING BAYREUTH
With succession in the air, the Wagner dynasty at Bayreuth is under siege – by other Wagners. – The Guardian
DETROIT SYMPHONY NAMES NEW DIRECTOR
Emil Kang, 31 will be youngest executive director of a major American orchestra. – Detroit Free Press
SAVING FACE
The Chinese government has protested the showing of “Inside Out: New Chinese Art” in Australia, saying the exhibition could damage their “international standing.” A disclaimer note above the entrance to the exhibit reads: “The National Gallery of Australia wishes to advise that this performance contains nudity, live animals and Chinese firecrackers.” What on earth are they worried about? – South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)
BLACK AND WHITE MEMORY
Due to the political climate of North Korea in the 1950’s, there is very little art or recorded literature to help Koreans remember that period of history. A newly discovered photographic collection is helping people fill in the blanks. – Korea Times