Gilberto Mendes passed away on January 1 morning in Santos at the age of 93.

A pioneer of Bossa Nova, he founded the Musica Nova Festival.

As a young man he studied in Darmstadt with Boulez and Stockhausen.

Gilberto Mendes

Hanna Munitz has announced her retirement after 21 years as chief executive.

She kept the company running but was unpopular with artists, especially conductors, some of whom she fired with extreme acrimony. She lacked charm and was not renowned for gratitude.

Apparently 120 candidates applied for the vacancy the day it was advertised.

Munitz will depart in the summer of 2016.

hanna munitz

The American Guild of Musical Artists has announced the death of Alan Gordon, a union official whose firmness and patience with the Metropolitan Opera and its general manager Peter Gelb averted a lockout in the summer of 2014. Alan, who was 70, was well-liked on all sides of the tables.

Message from Jimmy Odom, President of #AGMA:

It is with great regret and deep sorrow that I must inform you that on Friday, January 1, AGMA National Executive Director, Alan Gordon, passed away. Alan suffered a stroke on Wednesday and passed quietly in his sleep Friday morning. Arrangements for services are still pending. I know that you will join with me in offering thoughts and prayers for Alan’s family at this difficult time. Fraternally yours, Jimmy

alan gordon agma