I’m torn.


Lived with the above all my life.

And this is fairly epic (albeit auf Deutsch).

But this…

Unsurpassed?

We hear they are presently playing the 1996 Verdi Otello on Met Opera Radio.

Is this a climbdown?

Or a concession before the two sides meet next week before a judge?

 

Message from Yaron Kohlberg:

 

I am thrilled to announce that I have been appointed the new President/CEO of the Cleveland International Piano Competition! This is a great moment in my professional life, and I feel extremely honored and grateful.

Since being founded in 1975, the CIPC has established itself as one of the leading international piano organizations, supporting thousands of young pianists from different parts of the globe. The competition takes place once every few years, but the organization maintains constant activity through a concert series, education and outreach programs, music related activities and other community events. The competition has always aimed for musical excellence, while giving contestants a unique opportunity to perform with the outstanding Cleveland Orchestra in the finals, awarding one of the top money prizes in any piano competition, and providing further performance, exposure and career opportunities to its participants.

As a former winner of the competition, it is a privilege to serve as the organization’s new leader. I hope to be able to contribute to the CIPC through the experience I gained over the years, to help maintain its tradition and bring it to new heights through innovative ideas and exciting collaborations.

The opportunity to influence and contribute on a large scale to the piano world to which I am attached both emotionally and professionally, exceeds my fondest dreams. This could not have been achieved without the support of many people.

The board of directors of CIPC, who selected me for this prestigious position, has shown their trust in me from the very beginning. Their understanding of my situation, coupled with their commitment and devotion to the organization and the piano, made it a very easy decision.

I would never have reached this moment without my family and close friends, who have been there for me through better and worse moments, and have given me all their love and support over the years. As I can’t mention everyone on this post, you will be hearing from me in private.

I will soon be leaving China which has been my home for over three years. Though I will no longer be based there, I will in my new position do my best to continue to help the development of piano playing in China. I plan to visit it often, so this is certainly not a final goodbye.

Sending much love to all friends around the globe, and hoping to see you soon in Cleveland!

 

It’s the first time he has sung live with the British singer-songwriter.

The official version of their duet has been watched 120 million times.

That’s 100 times more than Bocelli’s Pearl Fishers duet with Placido Domingo.

The Sheeran song is a modern classic.

The strikers are Trifonov and Bashmet.

Hubert Deutsch, hired in 1955 as  Korrepetitor, rose to become archive director and deputy head of the company.

Hubert died at the weekend aged 93. The Staatsoper is flying a black flag as a mark of honour.

Bamberg has given Jakub Hrůša a second five-year term as chief conductor. He’s booked there until 2026.

 

From a Telegraph interview with the soprano Danielle DeNiese:

De Niese said she had heard ‘even wonderful, esteemed’ colleagues and friends worry that they ‘might not get a chance at a job because ‘I’m pale, male and stale’’.

The singer added: ‘I had a conversation with an American artist who said: ‘If I was more ethnic I’d definitely be working more’. I was taken aback. They didn’t mean it to be judgemental at all. But it’s a natural thing for people to feel frightened that their opportunities will be taken away to afford opportunities for others.’

Read on here.

 

In Tasmania, they have reversed the roles in Benjamin Britten’s chamber opera … and nobody seems happy.

Lots of walkouts, says the local Guardian reporter.

This gender-swap doesn’t sit comfortably with me, says Limelight magazine’s critic.


Photo © Zan Wimberley

But when was Lucretia ever comfortable to experience?

Marcia Hinkle has announced her retirement from the Omaha Symphony, which she joined in 1957.

She’s #11 in the all-time list of longest-serving musicians.

 

Also listed is Bob Jenkins, who leaves Omaha Symphony after 50 years on oboe and cor anglais.

 

 

 

President Putin’s pet conductor is missing the early stages of the World Cup.

He has been sent with the Mariinsky orchestra to Saudi Arabia to open the King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran, paving the way for a visit by the Bolshoi Ballet.

Putin, meanwhile, was hosting the Saudi Crown Prince as a 5-0 football drubbing.

Krishna Thiagarajan has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Seattle Symphony, starting September.

 

He is presently head of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, which is on the phone to the headhunters as we write. He leaves after only three years.

What’s Seattle got that Glasgow lacks?

And another thing: Glasgow’s incoming music director is the Dane, Thomas Søndergård. Seattle’s is the Dane, Thomas Dausgaard, who is also chief of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Was this appointment made in Denmark? Or over a Danish in Glasgow? Is this some kind of Hamlet sub-plot?

Also: Seattle’s last chief, Simon Woods, was previously head of the RSNO. Altogether too cosy.