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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Michael Tilson Thomas passed away at 81
Renowned conductor, composer and educator Michael Tilson Thomas passed away on Thursday at 81. One of the defining figures of musical life in the United States, Tilson Thomas was widely admired for his dynamic interpretations and commitment to modern and American music. Tributes have been pouring in all weekend from the classical music sector.
Take a moment to celebrate his legacy with this moving performance of Copland’s Appalachian Spring just a few years ago with the Czech Philharmonic:
Teatro La Fenice fires Beatrice Venezi (Operawire)
Conductor Beatrice Venezi’s contract as Music Director of Venice’s Teatro La Fenice was terminated this week. Venezi’s appointment was controversial from the start: the 36 year old was criticized for her close ties with Giorgia Meloni’s government and lack of experience. La Fenice’s cited “repeated and grave public statements… deemed offensive and detrimental to the artistic and professional standing of the Teatro La Fenice Foundation and its Orchestra” as the reason for her termination. OperaWire reports that “Following the news that Venezi had been fired, the audience at La Fenice during the closing performance of “Lohengrin” erupted in applause.”
Classical music as a deterrent to “antisocial behavior” in Liverpool (BBC)
Classical musicians and fans in Liverpool are protesting a new initiative from the city council and local police force that uses classical music as a deterrent to “antisocial behavior” and youth-related violence by piping classical pieces through loudspeakers attached to lampposts in select public areas. Local musicians argue that this “weaponizing” of classical music reinforces elitist stereotypes and is at odds with the city council’s investment in youth music programs.
The Met’s $200 million deal with Saudi Arabia falls through (NYT)
A major—and polarizing—deal with the Saudi Arabian government fell through this week, the latest chapter in The Met’s saga of financial woes. In an interview, Met General Manager Peter Gelb said the Saudis are facing a challenging economic climate, citing the war in Iran and the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on the oil industry, as factors. This comes as a major blow for an institution in financial crisis—if this is a new topic for you, the NYT have a good summary of how we got here and how The Met hopes to move forward.
Pianist Ruth Slenczynska, last living link to Rachmaninov, died at 101 (Gramophone)
Celebrated pianist and pedagogue Ruth Slenczynska died at 101 last week. Slenczynska was a child prodigy and studied with many of the great names of the twentieth century including Sergei Rachmaninov, of whom she was said to be the last living pupil.
