“In the 21st century, no other country has reinvented the language of the orchestra on such distinctive and appealing terms. … Call it the First Icelandic School — the only formative national movement in classical musical history to have emerged in the 21st century, dominated by women and heavily influenced by art pop.” - Financial Times
A growing body of research suggests classical music can offer measurable benefits to athletes: helping regulate nerves, boost balance, reduce perceived effort, and even foster team cohesion. - Classic FM
The idea that technology is altering our capacity not just to concentrate but also to read and to reason is catching on. The conversation no one is ready for, though, is how this may be creating yet another form of inequality. - The New York Times
Total revenues in the arts, using my imperfect and partial measurement, were $37.9 billion in 2024, representing 29% of all cultural products. - Hill Statistical Insights on the Arts
The 12th-century Sijena Murals were moved from the monastery where they were created following heavy damage during the Spanish Civil War. Ever since, they’ve been in Barcelona at the National Art Museum of Catalonia. Spain’s highest court ordered their return to Sijena, but museum officials think the works won’t survive the trip. - Artnet
“We have to decide where does the art in our town that's made in our town sit versus touring productions, and what does it mean to be a city of makers versus importing talent? - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Neither Harvard nor the government has publicly detailed potential terms for a settlement and what allegations the money would be intended to resolve. - The New York Times
Hungary’s autocratic prime minister has ordered the renovation of the district around Buda Castle to what the government claims is its 19th-century glory. Many critics argue that the reconstructions are modern concrete structures with period veneers that owe more to Orbán’s taste than to history. - Bloomberg CityLab
The measure as submitted by one council member was hardly extravagant, but it was seen by the Vancouver arts community as a good start. Then an amendment by another council member changed the measure so much that even the legislator who first submitted it withdrew his support. - CBC
“Member stations that are outside major metropolitan areas and depend most on federal dollars face the toughest, most immediate choices. But the new law poses broader questions about the positives and perils of depending on government funding, and whether other means can fill the breach.” - The Washington Post (MSN)
The pernambuco tree grows only in small areas along Brazil’s Atlantic coast north of Rio de Janeiro state; the tree is endangered, and attempts to grow it on plantations have so far failed. As authorities consider increasing protective measures and restrictions on selling pernambuco wood, string players and luthiers are unsettled. - Bachtrack
When Demis Volpi was sacked following public complaints by the company’s dancers and a steady stream of resignations, some local observers complained that Volpi hadn’t been given enough time to establish himself after the long tenure of predecessor John Neumeier. In fact, Volpi’s problems were bigger than that. - Tanznetz (Germany) (in English)
Lake, the Arizona Republican known for her losing campaigns for Arizona governor and US Senator, was hired by Trump to dismantle Voice of America and Radio Free Europe. She cannot unilaterally fire top executives at those networks, so she's trying ugly tactics to drive them out. - The Washington Post (MSN)
