“The regional theater movement that was formed in opposition to the commercialism of Broadway is now employing the same commercialist tactics it once deplored.”
Why Do American Orchestras Ignore The First Half Of America’s 20th Century?
When was the last time you heard a symphony or, apart from Gershwin’s An American in Paris, a tone poem by an American composer from the first half of the 20th century?
Destroying Syria’s Culture – The Before And After Pictures
“Across Syria, where a seemingly unstoppable war is about to enter a third year, a heritage built over 5,000 years or more is being steadily buried under rubble.”
Actors Want More – And More Equal – Money For Broadway Touring Shows
“Actors have grumbled about this for years, but a furor has erupted now over the recent news that ‘Kinky Boots’ — the fourth-highest-grossing show on Broadway each week — will not pay actors the top rates when its tour begins in September.”
A New, Bizarre Way For Fans To Interact With City Ballet
“Some richly attired New York City Ballet fans have taken to lying down on the floor at intermissions. Other well-heeled patrons are making the climb from the orchestra to the Fourth Ring for a better view. And social media sites are beginning to fill up with odd images.”
Look, Virtual Worlds *Are* Real Worlds
“As with every new communication tool, scientific and practical questions abound. How is using an avatar different from typed chat alone? Do people maintain a sense of personal space when using digital avatars, or do they create new social norms?”
Alfonso Cuaron Just Won A Directors Guild Award For ‘Gravity’ – So What?
“What remains to be seen is whether the Academy, even if it is inclined to honor Cuaron, like the other groups, will also honor his film. “
Why Does Britain Like To Destroy Its Buildings?
“Ugliness is not a fixed notion – it’s a faddish one.”
An American Composer Dominated The Classical Grammys
“It was a good day for contemporary composers, who took home the bulk of the classical honors this year.”
And The Rest Of The Grammys Were Kind Of Fun Too
“The Grammy Awards begin with a look to 2015, as the husband-and-wife pairing of Beyoncé and Jay Z open the show, complete with epileptic-inducing lighting, with ‘Drunk in Love.’ As a performer, Beyoncé is magnetic, her every twist or spin around a spare stage adorned only with a chair eliciting gasps.”
Toronto Could Have Looked Very Different
“Toronto’s history is filled with grand ideas killed by politics, economics and petty parochialism, ideas now buried in history books and boxes at the Toronto Archives.”
Top AJBlogs from 01.26.14
Details on Bombing At Cairo Museum
Source: Real Clear Arts | Published on 2014-01-27
Jewels in the City’s Crown
Source: Dancebeat | Published on 2014-01-26
Beautiful Hand-Made Paper Gems from Hanuman Books
Source: Straight|Up | Published on 2014-01-26
The sunk cost fallacy
Source: For What it’s Worth | Published on 2014-01-26
Preamble
Source: We The Audience | Published on 2014-01-26
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British Orchestras Are Selling Well – And Losing Their Prestige
“The very things that push our art form forward and keep us at the highest international level are then under threat. We would worry about slipping from the top tier, which is a real possibility if it carries on like this.”
Is Geography Destiny? Ask The American South (And Ohio)
“The American Dream is alive in Denmark and Finland and Sweden. And in San Jose and Salt Lake City and Pittsburgh. But it’s dead in Atlanta and Raleigh and Charlotte.”
What Should You Look For At The Grammys Tonight?
“Will we finally get an all-robot rhythm section?”