An Unconventional String Quartet That Splits Its Audience

“The audience gathered in the basement of St. Brigid’s was an all-ages crowd: grey-haired veterans of Ottawa’s annual chamber-music blowout mixed with a curious younger set. Every time the Squad announced a song – Smashing Pumpkins’ Disarm, or Nirvana’s Lithium, for example – the younger half of the audience howled with delight while older listeners stared blankly at each other.”

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Costly Bankruptcy

“As of the end of June, the orchestra’s Chapter 11 proceeding had produced $2.4 million in expenses and fees to outside firms and consultants, according to filings with U.S. Bankruptcy Court. With months to go before the case is expected to exit bankruptcy, the cost is closing in on the $2.9 million the association once forecast for the entire process.”

Classical Music Smartphone Apps (They’re Everywhere)

“Androids or iPhones make good music players, and personalized radio apps like Slacker, Pandora and Last.fm offer passable alternatives to conventional radio, especially if you pay for advertising-free versions of the services.” And many individual ensembles are making their performances available, on their own or in partnership with such services as Instant Encore.