Succeeding longtime chief Nigel Redden in October is Egyptian-American musicologist Mena Mark Hanna, a teacher, composer, Coptic Orthodox cantor (!), and former administrator at Houston Grand Opera. He is currently dean at the Barenboim-Said Akademie in Berlin. - The Post and Courier (Charleston)
An announcement to this effect was made earlier this year, but the mammoth passenger boats turned up anyway. But now the national government, eager to avoid UNESCO "World Heritage in Danger" status, has made it feasible for the rule to take effect August 1. - Reuters
Our research found that a complex blend of social inequalities, labour market failures, and outright discrimination are making these jobs so exclusive and keeping talented working-class people from making it. - The Conversation
Artificial intelligence software can now create very convincing reproductions of people's vocal timbres and speech patterns. Could this be a tool to let voice performers accept more work, a tool for taking work from them, or both? - BBC
Freedom Day (as Boris Johnson has called it) will see all COVID-related legal restrictions on arts venues lifted, but the Society of London Theatres and UK Theatre will continue to "strongly encourage" all audience members to mask up. - WhatsOnStage (London)
Before the coronavirus pandemic, curators had discussed a large anniversary exhibition examining music’s role in uniting Americans after 9/11 and other tragedies. - The New York Times
Charlottesville removes Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson statues four years after white supremacists marched, and murdered, to keep them up. - Slate
Since the program was created with the passage of the Save Our Stages Act in December, the grant been plagued by glitches and delays. - San Francisco Chronicle
In a column co-written with artist Yinka Shonibare, Ed Vaizey, culture minister under David Cameron and now in the House of Lords, argues for a 1%-3% per device tax on electronics manufacturers that would go into a "Smart Fund" to support arts throughout the UK. – London Evening Standard
Even as institutions are merging and closing due to the pandemic, Danny George and Ricky Loftus George are planning to receive students at the Norwalk Conservatory College in Connecticut, 90 minutes from New York, next year. Then they have to get accredited. - Inside Higher Ed
The report says that dark houses at the National Theatre, Old Vic, Young Vic, Southbank Centre, and dance company Rambert led to an economy-wide loss of 5,500 jobs and £330 million — but that the institutions could help lead London’s recovery – The Stage
"The Japanese government formally declared a state of emergency in Tokyo on Thursday, due to rising numbers of COVID-19 infections. Restrictions will be in place throughout the duration of the Games, and may mean that spectators are banned from some events in Tokyo and nearby prefectures." - Variety
"The city's Office of Nightlife is recommending that officials identify areas with low residential density 'where a limited 24-hour program might be tested." - AP
