“The executive director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic has resigned after he was told he was being let go. David Wax, who joined the orchestra in 2001 after more than a dozen years at the helm of the Houston Symphony, submitted his resignation to the board last week.”
Tag: 11.29.07
Why London Doesn’t Have Theater Strikes
The stagehands’ strike may be over, but it seems like labor situations come up constantly on Broadway. In comparison, London hasn’t had a theatrical shutdown since the 1960s. So what’s the difference? Nationalized health care and consistent job security play a significant role.
Get Ready To Hear A Lot About Jaap van Zweden
The Dallas Symphony has received an unusual $1m grant that will be used specifically to promote the orchestra and its incoming music director, Jaap van Zweden, both nationally and internationally. “The grant will also be used to… expand relations with existing patrons and introduce them to the maestro, and brand the symphony to reflect Mr. van Zweden’s artistic personality.”
Arts Education Effectively Nonexistant In Philly
In Philadelphia, “there are literally no music or art teachers in the city’s middle and high schools – even though music and art are core curriculum subjects with minimum standards for instruction.” As in so many American school districts, the withering of Philly arts education comes down to money.
TSO Back On Firmer Financial Ground
The Toronto Symphony has reduced its huge accumulated deficit by C$500,000, and balanced its budget for the year. “A C$400,000 increase in Canada Council funding and a 15-per-cent increase in single-ticket sales also helped the TSO stay in the black.”
Polka – America’s Rural Dance Tradition
“All over the United States, where there are Eastern Europeans, there is polka. In the isolated farmland counties of eastern Nebraska, where it is not uncommon to drive 30 miles for groceries, polka helps tie people together. The dances and the radio shows devoted to the music keep old friends in touch and circulate local news.”
Jean-Luc Godard: I Stole Money To Finance Films
The acclaimed director says it was the only way he could make his work. “I even stole money from my family to give to (fellow French director Jacques) Rivette for his first film. I pinched money to be able to see films and to make films,”
The Green Future Of Theatre?
“With their banks of dazzling stage lights and foyers ablaze nightly, theatres are energy-hungry beasts.” But some Australian companies are taking steps to change their resource-gobbling ways, and considering what could be done to reduce their carbon footprint.