World’s Richest Chamber Music Prize Discontinued After Only Three Years

“The M-Prize, a chamber music competition with $100,000 grand prize [and $200,000 in total awards], based at the University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) in Ann Arbor, will not be returning for a fourth edition in 2019. … It was launched by Sphinx Organisation founder Aaron Dworkin, who had then [in 2015] just been appointed dean of the SMTD. His tenure was shortlived, however, and it is speculated that the M-Prize was always unlikely to survive without his patronage and fundraising network.” — The Strad

After Homophobia Controversy, Kevin Hart Steps Down As Oscars Host

“Wednesday afternoon, comedian Kevin Hart was announced as the host for the upcoming 91st annual Academy Awards. By Thursday night, he had stepped down. The turn of events followed outcry over previous anti-gay tweets, and comments Hart made during stand-up routines nearly 10 years ago. Some of the tweets were feverishly deleted throughout the day on Thursday, leading to an Instragram video from the comedian that only made matters worse for him.” — Variety