As medici.tv’s Chief Content Officer I spend a lot of time thinking about classical music—and a lot of time on the internet. Here’s my selection of the top five news items you need to see this week if you want to stay in the know.
Royal Opera House cast member unfurls a Palestinian flag during the curtain call (BBC)
The BBC has reported on an incident during a curtain call at the Royal Opera House in which a cast member unfurled a large Palestinian flag, prompting a brief scuffle with stage staff trying to remove it as the audience continued to applaud. Statements from the Royal Opera House have described the incident as “unauthorised” and “completely inappropriate.”
Mystery illness hits French youth choir during US tour (NY Post)
During a church concert in Cambridge, MA, eight singers aged 11–13 from the Chœur d’Enfants d’Île-de‑France youth choir suddenly developed seizure-like symptoms, after complaining of smelling strange odors and having difficulty breathing. Emergency responders transported the children to local hospitals. While about 70 others in attendance reported no symptoms, the cause remained undetermined. Hazmat teams inspected the venue but found no contamination.
Gergiev’s European comeback canceled after outcry (The Guardian & Operawire)
Earlier this month, we talked about Russian conductor Valery Gergiev’s upcoming return to European stages at the Un’Estate da Re festival in Italy. This week, the venue withdrew his engagement after significant public outcry, including a petition with over 16,000 signatures. Critics argued hosting Gergiev—known for his vocal support of Vladimir Putin and refusal to condemn the invasion of Ukraine—would amount to propaganda. Russia’s Foreign Ministry has responded critically, calling Gergiev’s cancellation “discrimination.”
England football star Michelle Agyemang took her piano to the Euro 2025 (Classic FM)
The Euro 2025 came to a close this week and Classic FM has learned that one of the stars of the football tournament, England striker Michelle Agyemang, is a dedicated pianist. 19-year-old Agyemang—who was named the championship’s Best Young Player—says that playing piano is “a vital part of her match day ritual, offering focus and tranquillity amidst the intensity of elite competition” and she even had her instrument shipped to Basel with her.
Nicola Benedetti talks music education, AI, mental health, and more (The Telegraph)
Violin star Nicola Benedetti is often interviewed but rarely does she open up as much as she does in this feature in The Telegraph, which sees her talk about the state of music education in her native UK, the impact of AI on the younger generation’s approach to learning an instrument, managing the pressure of a life in the public eye, and how motherhood has—or hasn’t—changed her. A fascinating interview sure to give you lots to think about!
