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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Mamdani and the Met Opera’s “Opera for All” (NYT)
“Opera is one of the greatest art forms we have,” said New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as part of the video announcing “Opera for All,” a joint initiative with the Metropolitan Opera that will distribute 70,000 free Met tickets to New Yorkers during the 2026–27 season. The program will release 10,000 tickets each month through a lottery, with seats available throughout the opera house.
The initiative is aimed at New Yorkers who have not recently attended the Met, drawing on unsold tickets rather than creating additional performances. Mamdani has presented the program as a way of expanding access to an institution that can be financially out of reach for many residents. The Met plans to continue the initiative in future seasons.
Peter de Caluwe appointed Artistic Director of Salzburg Festival (Bachtrack)
After a long period of uncertainty, the Salzburg Festival has appointed Peter de Caluwe as its next Artistic Director, with his term beginning in October 2027. Until then, he will work with Interim Artistic Director Karin Bergmann on preparations for the 2027 festival. De Caluwe previously led Brussels’ La Monnaie from 2008 to 2025.
His appointment comes as Salzburg begins a major renovation and rebuilding program. He has described the changes as an opportunity to explore new performance spaces and rethink the Festival’s relationship with audiences. Kristina Hammer has also had her contract as Festival President renewed for another five years.
The Cleveland Orchestra’s strike (NYT)
After a three-day strike that nearly canceled a long-planned European tour, the musicians of the Cleveland Orchestra have reached a new three-year contract with management. The agreement provides musicians with annual 5% salary increases, and addresses healthcare, the audition process and working conditions, including protections related to repetitive stress injuries. The strike is another example of tense relations between orchestra musicians and administrations across the United States, as cultural institutions are under increasing financial pressure.
Inside the NYCB’s shoe room (Business Insider)
Dancers at the New York City Ballet go through about 70,000 pointe shoes each year, all of which are painstakingly broken in by their wearers. This fascinating segment from Business Reporter takes us into the shoe room.
