Linus Roth
(c) Kaupo Kikkas

Aufgrund der Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung der Corona-Pandemie kann das diesjährige Festival Ibiza Concerts nicht stattfinden. Der Künstlerische Leiter und Gründer Linus Roth, der bereits sein Festival in Ochsenhausen im Juni d.J. absagen musste, teilt mit: « Die für dieses Jahr eingeladenen Künstler, das Schumann Streichquartett und der Pianist Julien Quentin, haben glücklicherweise zugesagt, beim Festival nächstes Jahr mitzuwirken, das vom 26. bis 29. August stattfinden wird. Read More →

In its anniversary year, the Salzburg Festival is now having a problem with its logo:   The initiative ‘Memory Gaps’ recently pointed out that Leopoldine Wojtek, who designed the festival logo in 1928 must be considered a later profiteer and supporter of the Nazi regime. Read More →

Classical guitarist and lute player Julian Bream has died yesterday at the age of 87. After studying piano and composition at the Royal College of MusicBream became one of the most prolific and best-selling recording artists in classical music. Bringing the guitar beyond its Spanish roots he commissioned dozens of works from major composers. During the 1960s, he also founded the Julian Bream Consort a period-instrument ensemble with Bream as lutenist, putting the instrument firmly back on centre stage.

Elsa Citterio
c) Daniel Banko

The Toronto based Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir has announced that Music Director Elisa Citterio has renewed her contract through to the end of the orchestra’s 44th concert season in 2022/23. Her tenure began in 2017, when she succeeded Jeanne Lamon, who was for 33 years at the helm of the orchestra. Read More →

Valery Gergiev
Foto: Marco Borggreve

If earlier media reports from Russia spoke of very few COVID-19 cases at the Mariinsky ballet ensemble, newer posts mention at least 23 cases. And, as one can read, also some members of the Mariinsky Orchestra fell ill from the virus. The orchestra is currently on a national tour in Russia under Valery Gergiev’s baton.

Fort Worth Opera (FWO) has announced the launch of FWO Green Room, a new digital initiative to kick off the company’s 75th anniversary season. According to the press release the program « offers a blend of entertaining and interactive online content for opera lovers and novices alike. » The FWO Green Room will feature performances, seminars, masterclasses, a two-night libretto workshop, and round-table discussions. Read More →

Der aserbaidschanische Bass Eldar Aliev ist am 4. August im Alter von 49 Jahren in Mailand verstorben, wie aserbaidschanische und italienische Medien berichten. Der Sänger, der an der Mailänder Scala und anderen europäischen Bühnen erfolgreich war, traf vor etwa 15 Jahren die Entscheidung, seine brillante Karriere aufzugeben und auf der Straße zu leben. Völlig mittellos lebte er angeblich zunächst auf Parkbänken, dann in einem verlotterten Wohnwagen. Read More →

Courtney Lewis

The Jacksonville Symphony (Florida, US) has renewed Courtney Lewis’ contract as music director. The three-year and already second contract extension will retain Lewis as the artistic leader of Northeast Florida’s largest performing arts institution through the 2023/24 season. Read More →

Sir Simon Rattle

Today singer Magdalena Kozena and her husband Simon Rattle will perform together at the Brno Music Marathon Festival. The concert will be a song recital, consisting exclusively of compositions by Czech coposers Dvorak, Martinu, Schulhoff, Eben and Janacek, with Rattle accompanying Kozena on the piano. Read More →

Der siebte Symphonic Mob des Deutschen Symphonie-Orchester Berlin (DSO), der am 19. September in der Mall of Berlin wieder mit über tausend Musikbegeisterten hätte stattfinden sollen, muss Corona-bedingt in seiner gewohnten Form entfallen. Stattdessen laden das DSO und Chefdirigent Robin Ticciati dazu ein, sich im virtuellen Raum zu Berlins größtem Spontanorchester mit Chor zusammenzufinden. Read More →