UMS’s Media Roundup

Many members of the UMS staff keep a watchful eye on local and national media for news about artists on our season, pressing arts issues, and more. We thought we’d pull together a list of interesting stories each week and share them with you. Welcome to UMS’s Media Roundup, a weekly collection of arts news, including national issues, artist updates, local shout-outs, and a link or two just for fun. If you come across something interesting in your own reading, please feel free to share!

National & International Interest

• Looking for a job? The New York Phil, among other major orchestras, has openings. See what goes into hiring professional orchestra musicians.
• Ever wonder who wrote that incredible piece you heard at the BBC proms on your honeymoon back in 1972? Now you can find out! The BBC Proms just launched a searchable online archive dating back to the first concert in 1895.
• Kennedy Center Director Michael Kaiser is on a mission to turn troubled institutions around.
• Arts trump social causes for donor visibility, but are they losing their cache with a new generation?
• Attention students! Heading to NYC? Check out StudentRush.org, a new website devoted to low-cost (and sometimes free!) admission to cultural events, restaurants, and more around the City.

Artist Updates

• Tony Allen and his band will perform as part of UMS’s 10/11 season on April 16, 2011. The Afrobeat drummer was featured in an NPR story last week about his work with Fela Kuti, and Kuti’s Enduring Legacy.
• Ever wondered what Laurie Anderson really thinks of performance art, and where it’s heading? Salon Magazine has the answers.
• More from Laurie with a discussion of her new album, Homeland, in The Village Voice.
• Nick Eanet, first violinist of the Julliard Quartet resigns. What’s next on his plate and for the ensemble?
• French conductor Ludovic Morlot will replace Gerard Schwartz as music director of the Seattle Symphony next season

Local Shout-Outs

• Congratulations to MOT Director David DiChiera, who recently received a national honor.
• The Detroit International Jazz Festival announced its lineup of local artists as part of the 2010 Festival
• Legendary African-American Choral Director Brazeal Dennard, former Detroit Public Schools Music Supervisor and founder of the Brazeal Dennard Chorale, passes away.

Just For Fun

• A global piano installation hits the Big Apple!