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MUSIC

Meet The Punk Godmother Of New American Opera

“Twenty years ago, (Beth) Morrison had nothing in the bank. Just ambition, a belief in opera as theater and a high-flown goal to ‘change this art form.’ Still, she founded Beth Morrison Projects. Since then, she has worked nearly around the clock to shepherd dozens of new operas into existence.” - The New York Times

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Files Restraining Order Against Violinist

The orchestra alleges that Hwang, who was sexually assaulted by a senior player in the orchestra in 2017 and 2018, breached an NDA she signed following the incident. - The Violin Channel

After 50 Years, Grammy Category For Best Album Cover Is Back

“In recent years, covers had been assessed as part of the best recording package category, which considers all physical materials and images. … Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. (said) the split is an effort to recognize the impact of cover art in the digital age.” - AP

At Paris Opera, Semyon Bychkov Will Succeed Gustavo Dudamel As Music Director

“The 73-year-old Bychkov agreed to a four-year contract (starting in August 2028) and will conduct two operas and six symphonic concerts per season, (general director Alexander) Neef said.” Until then, Bychkov will remain music director of the Czech Philharmonic. - AP

Nina Simone’s Childhood Home Has Been Preserved, And The Owners Hope To Make It An Arts Hub

“The restoration of Simone’s childhood home could serve as an example of how privately funded projects can preserve Black history during a time when federally funded programs are under threat.” - The Guardian (UK)

A Year Of Not Listening To AI-Generated Music

“Resistance was easy. Uncomplicated, too. Like so many who have grown skeptical of AI, I value my life. I don’t want AI-generated music taking a moment of it away from me.” - Washington Post (MSN)

How To Be A Busy Opera Singer

Singers can specialize, or they could be like mezzo Marina Viotti, who was a heavy metal singer and who sang at the opening of the Paris Olympics, and is now "a rising opera world star with a versatile range that includes Baroque, bel canto and operetta.” - The New York Times

What Music Superfans Will Do For Memorablia

Don’t worry, Beethoven fans did it first. - The New York Times

Ireland’s Ancient Musical Laments Meet The 21st Century

In disguised artist Róis’s 2025 Irish-language album, she merged “experimental, electronic production with traditional singing ... drew inspiration from ancient mourning practices." - BBC

What It’s Like For An Opera Singer To Retire From The Met

“Singers are tested by every performance, year after year. We are trained to make it look easy. It is never easy. We live through sacrifice, isolation and self-doubt. ... Constant travel (if you’re lucky), fatigue and stress take an emotional and physical toll.” - The New York Times

China Threatens To Jail Anyone Who Performs, Listens To, Or Shares Uyghur Songs

During a meeting in the historic Uyghur city of Kashgar in October, authorities warned residents that performing, playing, uploading onto social media, or storing on devices any of a list of Uyghur songs would face imprisonment. Uyghur exiles report that several people have already been jailed for doing so. - AP

Prince’s Withering Putdown Of Digital Musicians

“The kid with the PC in the bedroom can’t play his instrument. He can make some sounds, and then you can get a vast amount of repetition, but if they didn’t take the time to learn their instrument and their scales and to actually speak the language of music then they can’t play.” - Music Radar

An AI Country Song Hit No. 1 On The Charts. So What Do Nashville Musicians Think About This?

When “Walk My Walk” went No. 1, several observers disputed the narrative that country music was being overrun by AI. They noted that relatively few country listeners purchase digital songs in today’s streaming world, so topping that particular chart isn’t that significant. - Washington Post

Beleaguered San Antonio Philharmonic Cancels Yet Another Concert

“The organization has canceled its Classics 5 concert, which was scheduled for January 16. … The Philharmonic is made up largely of musicians who previously performed with the San Antonio Symphony, which dissolved in 2022. Many of the financial challenges that plagued the Symphony have also affected the Philharmonic.” - Texas Public Radio

Is Gen Z Falling In Love With CDs?

Gen Z has decided CDs are cool again, sending sales wobbling upward before promptly wobbling back down. It’s mostly about vibes, nostalgia, and proving to millennials that nothing stays uncool forever. - LiveNow Fox

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