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.
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Reading time estimated : 4 min
Gustavo Dudamel prepares to change coasts (NYT)
After 17 years at the helm of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Gustavo Dudamel is navigating an emotional, coast-to-coast transition as he prepares to become music and artistic director of the New York Philharmonic in September. Recent high-profile appearances—from a splashy concert at Radio City Music Hall to farewell performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall—underscore a moment he describes as living “in two waters.” The NYT spoke to Dudamel about the transition and explored what this seismic change means for the cultural life of both cities.
Yuja Wang calls out BBC critic for “misogynistic bullying” (The Guardian)
On Instagram this week, pianist Yuja Wang publicly accused longtime BBC Radio 3 presenter and critic Norman Lebrecht of “derogatory misogynistic bullying” after he emailed her about repeatedly postponing an interview. The BBC swiftly responded, announcing it would no longer work with Lebrecht, effectively ending a relationship of more than 25 years. Lebrecht defended his language as non-gendered and apologised for any embarrassment, but maintained he would have expressed similar frustration with a male artist.
Plácido Domingo defends his tenure at Washington National Opera (Washington Post)
In a letter to The Washington Post, Plácido Domingo defended his leadership of the Washington National Opera, rejecting suggestions that he bears responsibility for the company’s current troubles. Responding to a recent front-page article, Domingo argues that during his tenure the WNO experienced artistic growth, strong attendance and robust donor support. He denies firing executive director Mark Weinstein and says budget deficits reflected the broader challenges of financing American opera. Domingo wrote that current discourse blaming him unfairly diminishes the achievements of the artists and administrators who strengthened the company.
Anne Frank’s enduring love of classical music (NYT)
Revisiting Anne Frank’s diary while in Amsterdam, NYT critic Anthony Tommasini reflects on how deeply classical music sustained her during the years in hiding. Though celebrated for her literary gifts and love of film, Anne also frequently wrote about listening to Mozart and other composers on a clandestine radio.
The “Terrible Orchestra” bringing joy to a California community (KBPS)
Here’s your heartwarming story of the week: the “Terrible Orchestra” is an orchestra in Coronado, California, that creates a safe space for community members to play, regardless of their level. Many of the members played in school ensembles in their youth and dusted off their instruments to join the orchestra.
