Ta-Nehisi Coates, Sally Mann Lead List Of National Book Award Nonfiction Nominees

“The nominated works, which were announced on Wednesday, tackle a diverse array of subjects, and include a book that explores the rich inner lives of octopuses; a deeply researched account of the outpouring of grief that followed the assassination of Abraham Lincoln; and a natural and cultural history of rain that, according to one critic, ‘will make a rain fanatic out of anyone.'”

Top Posts From AJBlogs 09.16.15

How the old ways faded
In my last post I said that I’m now not happy talking about the decline of classical music. That post was a striking anecdotal report about falling ticket sales at European music festivals, which … read more
AJBlog: Sandow Published 2015-09-16

Flash: The Detroit Institute of Arts Names New Director
They have replaced Graham Beal as director of the Detroit Institute of Arts, and it’s an inside job. Salvador Salort-Pons, the current curator of European paintings a the DIA, plus–since 2013–director of collection strategies and information, … read more
AJBlog: Real Clear Arts Published 2015-09-16

$600-Million Endowment?!? My Q&A with Salort-Pons, Detroit Institute’s New Head—Part I
In an appointment reminiscent of the Art Institute of Chicago’s elevation to its directorship of Douglas Druick  and the Metropolitan Museum’s appointment of Tom Campbell to its top spot, the Detroit Institute of Arts today … read more
AJBlog: CultureGrrl Published 2015-09-16

a-musing
I’m off to Ann Arbor this weekend to work with violinist Danielle Belén for a recording session. Danielle is one of the newest faculty members in the School of Music at the University of Michigan … read more
AJBlog: Infinite Curves Published 2015-09-16

[ssba_hide]

What Are America’s Music Critics Most Looking Forward To At The Metropolitan Opera?

A few critics found little reason for enthusiasm at all. Mark Swed of the Los Angeles Times said in a telephone interview: “Looking over the schedule, I’m almost shocked … Only two operas from the last 100 years. … Nothing by an American composer. Nothing of our time. Sadly, this reflects what’s going on at major houses all over the country.”