Post-pandemic trends that will grow the market most: a) the rapid rise of AI, and B) the rise of the consumer-creator. Consumer-creators transformed photography (Instagram) and videography (TikTok); music will be next. Not only will casual music creation become mainstream, it will trigger an unprecedented widening of the music creator economy funnel. - Music Industry Blog
Spotify states that redistributing the revenues from the end of the tail will be more impactful for ‘these tens of millions of dollars per year to increase payments to those most dependent on streaming revenue — rather than being spread out in tiny payments that typically don’t even reach an artist’. - Music Industry Blog
The $125 million redesign/renovation of Copley Symphony Hall, begun in late 2021, was supposed to be done this fall, but the scheduled Nov. 4 opening was postponed indefinitely, and the CEO won't yet say exactly how far along the work is. - The San Diego Union-Tribune (MSN)
Kwamé Ryan, a 53-year-old Trinidadian-Canadian, "studied at Cambridge, lives on the edge of Germany’s Black Forest with his husband, hosts a weekly podcast for tips and life hacks, is into yoga, mountain biking and rugby, and guest-conducts orchestras throughout Europe and the U.S." - Yahoo! (The Charlotte Observer)
Opera’s contribution to health and welfare, its ability to improve lives, is a happy by-product. It is not the point. It is not opera’s job to do social work. Yet unfortunately this is where we find ourselves. - The Critic
If Philadelphia Ballet’s fledgling apprenticeship program needed a success story to tout, Na zir McFadden is it. After his ballet post, the Philadelphian landed a plum: assistant conductor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He’s 23 years old. - Philadelphia Inquirer (MSN)
"The Italian conductor, whose upbeat energy and artistic acumen have galvanized musicians and audiences since his arrival in 2020, has signed a five-year extension atop his initial six-year deal." - Detroit Free Press
"Although orchestras and opera companies are still struggling to regain and retain their pre-pandemic audiences, 2023 was a year with so much to hear — big performances, exciting premieres and promising signs for the state of the art in the year to come." - Washington Post
George Plasketes, a professor of media studies and popular culture at Auburn University, called the song “almost like comfort food.” Much like “Amazing Grace,” he said, “Silent Night” is one of those tunes that becomes imprinted on every generation, not only because of the lyrics but also the melody. - Washington Post
Ask Montreal composer Sophie Kastner, whose music for Where Parallel Lines Converge "was generated from the type of data NASA scientists usually use to create stunning visual images of deep space." - CBC
"The hologram – which uses projectors and motion capture technology to create a 3D image of Callas – interacts with the audience without speaking directly to us; she motions to conductor Daniel Schlosberg, who motions back. She pauses for applause even after any real applause has died off." - The Guardian
I think the future is versatility—a mixtape. I really believe that if a piece is put next to the right piece, even if it’s Schubert and Taylor Swift… they’ll shine light on each other. I see that working perfectly. - Van
