Whatdja miss? Don’t let Facebook and late-night TV be your sole sources for arts news. Take a second and read something! Here are a few stories you may have missed in the last week or so:
Bloggerville — Muses, reviews, and a farewell
“Jason McVicker, 1962-2016” — Parterre Box, 10/17/16
One of the opera world’s beloved observers has passed away in Chicago, at just 54. La Cieca offers a beautiful tribute to a writer who has written about others so beautifully.
“Jenufa at the Met” — Iron Tongue of Midnight, 10/18/16
Lisa Hirsch quibbles with a press release, and provokes a few thoughts in the process.
“The future of classical music” — Sandow, 10/20/16
It’s a topic often discussed, but rarely laid out so well. Greg Sandow offers his three cents’ worth.
“Ted Hearne Source Finds Music In Din of Info Cacophony” — Classical Voice North America, 10/22/16
A rather uncomfortable night at the opera, as The Source bringing the Iraq War right into the faces of the audience, and marks LA Opera as “a bastion of nervy progressive programming”.
The biz
“Best and worst of times for freelance classical singers in Philly” — Philadelphia Inquirer, 10/14/16
The embattled orchestra attempts to take its resident choir all-pro… with significant problems in the handling of the transition. (LA singers should pay particular attention to this one, as one of our biggest choirs has its own transition in the works…)
“7 Things I Wish Somebody Had Told Me About Releasing Music” — Music Think Tank, 10/16/16
While independent classical musicians are under less pressure than indies to release their own albums, these points are important for us, too.
“SAG-AFTRA issues strike ultimatum to video game makers” — LA Times, 10/17/16
After more than a year of attempted negotiations, actors are fed up with the gaming world running on a different standard. (Musicians should have ears perked, too!)
“Another day and another crowdfunding appeal” — On An Overgrown Path, 10/19/16
With fundraising appeals growing in every sector of the arts, Pliable ponders the pros and cons.
Arts People
“Musical America Announces 2017 Honorees” — NewMusicBox, 10/18/16
SoCal classical fans will be glad to see Susanna Mälkki and Andrew Norman included in the mix. Yuja Wang and Eric Owens are there, too!
“Soprano sings 2 parts in La Traviata” — Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 10/19/16
Claudia Rosenthal got just six hours’ notice before she took the stage as book Annina and Violetta.
Traveling soon?
“What to Wear on a Plane, Depending on the Climate You’re Flying From and To” — LIfehacker, 10/18/16
As things get colder on the East Coast, some of these common-sense tips will come in handy.
Arts Tech
“This Shower-Clinging Bluetooth Speaker is Down to Just $11” — Kinja Deals, 10/21/16
Wanna work on that aria first thing in the morning? The deal is likely over, but the speaker is still an affordable option that’s worth a peek.
… and then there’s this:
“Album for cats tops classical music charts” — Today (Singapore), 10/19/16
Well, we have been saying that classical music needed to find some new markets… But how do these furry fans purchase their copies? PayPaw? (Sorry — couldn’t resist.)
About “Arts Catch-up”
This is a new weekly feature, designed to keep our readers informed and knowledgable about the arts sector, including a few of our best newsy tweets. If you have an article to submit, please Contact us with the link.
