New York City Opera has issued a statement that says, in part:
“Last week New York City Opera and General Manager-Designate Gerard Mortier reached a decision to part ways. The economic climate in which we find ourselves today has caused us both to reconsider proceeding with our plans.
“While New York City Opera’s immediate plans have changed, our path and optimism for the future have not. With guidance from Michael Kaiser, one of America’s leading arts management advisors, our board and staff are working energetically to identify new leadership and to craft a practical and comprehensive plan for the 2009-2010 season and beyond—a plan that respects City Opera’s past while initiating a creative and entrepreneurial vision for the future. We remain committed to our core values of innovation, accessibility, the nurturing of young singers and service to our community—values which have defined our company for 65 years. “
Riccardo Muti will not be conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra at Buckingham Palace on Thursday night as part of a party in celebration of the 60th birthday of Prince Charles. He had agreed to coduct but a fortnight ago he pulled out because of what he saw as interference with the program by the Queen and Prince Charles, reports the Daily Mail.
“Fans of classical music are still buying compact discs in big numbers despite an explosion in legal download services.”–sky.com
” Ian Bostridge has sung the War Requiem [of Benjamain Britten] no fewer than 50 times. Not only do Britten’s responses to Owen’s poetry lie deep within his consciousness, but the music, originally written for Peter Pears, also fits Bostridge’s own vocal timbre and registers like a second skin. This was an outstanding performance, from the bullet-like articulation of the rifles’ rapid rattle to the dull, plangent ache within every slowly arching phrase of Move him into the sun.”–Hilary Finch reviewing Albert Hall performance of November 11, 2008, for the Times
