Perth Theatre Rivals Discuss Merger; Actors Fret

Perth’s two major theatre companies have begun talks over “closer synergies”, or even a merger. The news “has caused anxiety among actors and directors who remember previous abortive attempts to form a state theatre company in the city. But others say it could be the only way Perth will ever get a well-funded company with an ability to mount large-scale works.”

How Songwriters Are Profiting From The Digital Revolution

“Unlike record companies, they have adapted speedily to the realities of the web. According to figures published this month by the MCPS-PRS Alliance, a 9% drop in revenues from “physical” products, such as CDs and DVDs, has been more than offset by a 15% rise in income from internet sites and broadcasters following deals with websites such as iTunes,”

Music That Morphs From Sounds

“A new piece commissioned by the BBC from Jonathan Harvey will give the power of speech to an oboe, violins, a cello, and even an entire orchestra. This new piece, entitled Speakings, has been made possible by digital technology developed at Ircam, the underground music research institute founded in Paris by Pierre Boulez more than 30 years ago.”