“In an age of literary festivals in every provincial town, and writing courses at every red-brick university, everyone is encouraged to be a writer, and writing is considered a sacred art. Well, if everyone writes, there’ll be more bad novels. And if writing is thought sacred, they will become more boring.”
Tag: 07.06.10
Back From Brink, N.C. Symphony Breaks Even For Season
“The N.C. Symphony, regarded as among the top 50 orchestras in the country, remains in the red. But the amount it owes the bank has been reduced to $2.8 million as of June 30, the end of the fiscal year, [the symphony’s president and CEO] said. That compares to $3.8 million a year ago.”
Q&A With RSC’s Michael Boyd
Q: What is the biggest myth about theatre?
A: That it is more populated by egotists than any other profession. Architects, academics and doctors – for instance – are every bit as egotistical and competitive as people who work in the theatre.
Aboriginal Art May Suffer From Australian Pension Reform
“Up to 60 per cent of Aboriginal art is bought through self-managed super[annuation] funds, according to managing director of Melbourne-based Moss Green Auctions Paul Sumner. Banning art investments from super would be a ‘massive disincentive’ to buyers, he said.”
Biking, And Hauling His Double Bass Behind Him
“He’s a passionate new-music advocate who is also a dedicated bicyclist and a firm believer in sustainable use. To that end, he has commissioned a steel-framed bicycle trailer for his bass. The idea is to expand his performance opportunities without having to cadge a ride, rent a car or crowd his fellow passengers on the bus.”
The Hidden Cost Of Slashing Library Budgets
“We won’t miss a third of our librarians and branch libraries the way we’d miss a third of our firefighters and firehouses, the rationale goes … but I wonder.”
In Major Orchestras, Many Prime Job Openings
“Next season the New York Philharmonic will have a rare 12 openings, or roughly 12 percent of its instrumental work force, thanks to a confluence of retirements, departures for better jobs and long-unfilled positions. The Boston Symphony Orchestra has 10 vacancies, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra 9, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic 7.” They’re not alone.