Welcome to our first edition of “Monday Catch-up”, a chance to stay abreast of what’s going on in the arts, particularly classical music and opera!
It’s the guys who are making arts news this week, with a question of age and casting, a clever approach to bringing classical to kiddos, a steamy calendar, and various health issues (and a recovery)! Here are a few articles you may have missed — all the manly stuff, plus a few more:
Health-related announcements from four world-class divos
“After Setbacks, a Baritone Works His Way Back to the Met Opera” — New York Times, 9/26/16
Keenlyside is back!
“Hvorostovsky faces more chemo” — Slipped Disc, 9/26/16
“Sicklist: Covent Garden loses Alagna” — Slipped Disc, 9/30/16
“Voice Rest: Jonas Kaufmann Cancels a Second Month”
Slipped Disc, 10/1/16
Milestones & Innovations
“‘Beethoven’s Wig’ Combines Classical Music With Seussian Whimsy” — New York Times, 9/30/16
Instrumental music tends not to charm children, unless an ice cream truck is playing the tune. But what if that work had words?
“Neville Marriner, who led renowned Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, dies at 92” — Washington Post, 10/2/16
State of the Arts
“‘This Don Giovanni is a real babe magnet’” — The Times, 9/26/16
Should men of a certain age really be taking on the role of an amoral lothario? Why not, say opera stars Christopher Purves and Clive Bayley
“Generational Change at San Francisco Musical Institutions” — Iron Tongue of Midnight, 9/28/16
Keen observer Lisa Hirsch talks about the sudden departure of Brent Assink from SFO, plus other doings around the Bay Area.
“MSO has record year of ticket sales and attendance” — BizTimes / Milwaukee Business Times, 9/29/16
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra had a record-setting year during its 2015-16 season in both sales and attendance.
“For Orchestras in the U.S., So Much Depends on Their Communities’ Fortunes” — New York Times, 10/1/16
It’s been a tough time for US orchestras. But three strikes should not be taken to mean that classical music is out.
Notable reviews from around the world
“Pretty Yende: A Journey CD review – fearless singing by new-wave South African” — The Guardian, 9/29/16
Yende/Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI/Armiliato
(Sony)
“SF Opera’s Don Pasquale Reviews” — Opera Tattler, 10/1/16
We seem to have rounded up another round-up…
“Stanford: Choral Music CD review – impressive recording of neglected works” — The Guardian, 10/2/16
Soloists, Bach Choir, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/Hill
(Naxos)
“Tristan und Isolde; Don Giovanni review – passion below decks at the Met” — The Guardian, 10/2/16
Simon Rattle, Nina Stemme and Stuart Skelton launched New York’s opera season with a searing Tristan. Plus, a welcome return for Simon Keenlyside
… and a unique project in arts ambassadorship wraps up its first decade:
“10th Anniversary “Barihunks in Bed” calendar now on sale!” — Barihunks, 10/1/16
About “Monday Catch-up”
This is a new weekly feature, designed to keep our readers informed and knowledgable about the arts sector. If you have an article to submit, please Contact us with the link by the following Sunday evening.
