Since he left the directorship of the National Symphony five years ago, Rostropovich hasn’t slowed down. He still gives 100 performances a year, he teaches, and the foundation he started with his wife has provided about $5 million in medicine, food and equipment to children’s hospitals and clinics in Russia.” – Los Angeles Times
Tag: 11.29.00
THEATRE IN AUSTRALIA
“In the 1970s and early 1980s Australian theatre was seen as part of an integral social debate about national identity and self confidence. The advent of serious arts funding came out of clearly articulated statements on the importance of the arts, and our politicians were well versed in the reasons why a funded arts environment was important to a social system. The arts were seen as a necessary expense, like roads or water.” Now we should enjoy the rewards. – Sydney Morning Herald 11/29/00
MATTHEW SHEPARD PLAY OPENS
A play about the murder of Matthew Shepard opens in Laramie Wyoming, less than five miles from where Shepard was killed. “Certain wounds attack so deep they can never fully heal but this certainly helps the healing a lot.” – CNN
THEATRE IN AUSTRALIA
“In the 1970s and early 1980s Australian theatre was seen as part of an integral social debate about national identity and self confidence. The advent of serious arts funding came out of clearly articulated statements on the importance of the arts, and our politicians were well versed in the reasons why a funded arts environment was important to a social system. The arts were seen as a necessary expense, like roads or water.” Now we should enjoy the rewards. – Sydney Morning Herald
CANADA’S OVER-ACHIEVING WRITERS
The Canada Council spends $18 million a year subsidizing Canadian writers. Despite average sales of a fiction title of 2,500-3,000, Canada has produced a long list of important writers, led most recently by Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje “If you look at the Canadian track record in supporting publishing and literature, it is an incredible investment, and we have wonderful success stories that are recognizable and undeniable.” – The Globe & Mail (Canada)
OVER WHO CONTROLS BOOKS IN CANADA
A rival bookseller has initiated a hostile takeover offer for Chapters, Canada’s largest bookseller. Chapters’ CEO rejects the bid. Chapters is said to have been in financial difficulty in the past year. – National Post (Canada)
- FLAWED PREMISE: Why did Chapters get into trouble? “The kind of vertical integration that has allowed one company in Canada – even after a government investigation – to become the major books retailer, wholesaler and e-business just would not, and was not, allowed in the United States. And here, ironically, it is bringing the company down.” – National Post (Canada)
THE SEEDIEST CONCERT HALL ON EARTH?
Is London’s Royal Festival Hall – celebrating its 50th birthday next May – the “seediest concert hall on earth?” The place is grimey, it smells, musicians are demoralized, and subscriptions are down. Why no plan to fix it? – The Telegraph (UK)
DON’T AGREE TO FREE
British songwriters launch a campaign to convince people that free music on the internet is harmful to the business. – The Age (Melbourne) (AFP)
MUSIC THAT SHOCKS
Some might be scandalized by the music and behavior of some of today’s musicians. But “rock musicians of today take note: There’s little you’ve done that wasn’t already taken care by your predecessors in early-17th-century Italy.” – The Globe & Mail (Canada)
OPERA IS EXPENSIVE, NOT WASTEFUL
Scottish Opera’s financial crisis has got a bad name, say the company’s proponents. “There’s this myth of profligacy. We don’t waste money in opera. It is expensive because there are so many people involved. The money is spent on a lot of very creative personnel.” – The Herald (Scotland)