In his latest legal submission against the Metropolitan Opera, the former music director seeks to discredit three of his accusers whom he claims to identify among seven anonymous victims interviewed by the Met.

His lawyers state: ‘Levine has nearly 200 personal letters that were sent to him by Individuals 1, 2 and 4 which demonstrate that each of their allegations against Levine of sexual misconduct are simply false.’

Some of the letters quoted in the document profess deep love for Levine and gratitude.

Among other claims: ‘As recent as on December 3, 2017, Individual 2 forwarded an email to Levine’s attention from someone expressing support for Levine – after the Post and the Times published articles alleging that Levine had committed sexual misconduct decades ago. Individual 2 wrote, “I wanted you to see this. Please call if you need any help. Much love.’

Levine further accuses Peter Gelb of making false statements about his health.

The counterclaims can be found from page 48 onwards of Levine’s amended complaint against the Met, filed in the New York Courts on June 7. The Met has yet to respond.

 

Terri-Jayne Griffin is leaving. The Coliseum will fall apart without her vitality as Producing Director.

Message this morning from the CEO, Stuart Murphy:

Hi everyone

Sorry to ruin your Sunday morning but thought I’d let you know some news as soon as I did, especially as we’ve been talking so much about how ENO has to dramatically improve communication within the company (one of the main pieces of feedback from our first staff survey in about 10 years)

Sadly the legend that is TJ Griffin is leaving us after an illustrious 19 years at the company.

She is going on to a career in musicals.

Recent message from Terri: In my wildest dreams as a young girl growing up in Brisbane, I’d never have imagined I would produce CHESS and work with Benny Andersson from ABBA. Beyond thrilling!!!

Theater Bremen has announced an audition for ‘professional singers from all over the world’.

The Theater Bremen (Bremen Opera House) is opening its doors for the first time to professional singers from all over the world, giving everybody the chance to audition! Any professional singer can present themselves to the Music director and the Artistic Directors with a repertoire of their own choice.

The dates:
25.6.2018 – 27.6.2018

The location:
Theater Bremen, Bremen, Germany

The rules:
Any singer of any voice type can participate at their own risk. The theatre doesn’t cover any travel or accommodation costs, and no guarantee is given as per whether the candidate will sing on the main stage or in a rehearsal hall, as well as per how much time the jury will allocate. The candidates will be notified a few days in advance at what time and in which hall they will audition.

Repertoire:
The candidates can choose their own repertoire.

If you would like to audition, please send your application, including repertoire and your preferred date to:

Sieglinde Voß, Artistic Office
svoss@theaterbremen.de

One of our readers impertinently asked if there were any roles he/she should be preparing. The reply from Ms Voss: ‘The auditions are open calls. We do not audition for our season repertoire. We are just giving everybody the chance to audition.’

And you wonder why singers feel abused.

No-one’s getting any younger, but Eleanor Sokoloff is indestructible.

She joined Curtis in 1936 and has never missed a lesson.

 

Orchestra Santa Monica has picked Roger Kalia, one of the new crop of Solti Foundation US grant recipients, as its music director.

Kalia, 33, is assistant conductor at the Pacific Symphony.

The Solti gift keeps on giving.

The Buffalo Philharmonic is advertising for an Assistant Conductor, Community Engagement to provide professional services for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and function as a key member of the artistic team.

So far, so good.

The successful candidate must have a thorough knowledge of orchestral repertoire, conducting experience, a commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity in the arts, command of the English language and the interest and ability to expand and build connections for the BPO within the Greater Buffalo community.

Seems ok.

ELIGIBILITY:
This position aims to create a significant work experience for a qualified musician of, but not limited to, African-American or Latinx descent.

Interesting. Probably just about legal.

 

This video comes from rehearsals of The Nose in Moscow, 1975.

Also in the front row: Irina and Maxim Shostakovich.

Wonderful to hear those voices.

Gennady Rozhdestvensky died this weekend, aged 87.