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UMS’s Arts Roundup: October 8

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. Each week, we pull together a list of interesting stories and share them with you. Welcome to UMS’s Arts Round-up, 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!

Arts Issues

The DSO isn’t the only performing arts organization in financial trouble. The Dutch government has proposed closing the Netherlands Broadcasting Music Center, dismantling the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic, Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic, Metrople Orchestra, and the Netherlands Radio Choir.

Artist Updates

Time has run out at 3711 Woodward Ave, and the musicians of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra are on strike.
The Metropolitan Opera opens fifth season of live high-def broadcasts this weekend with Wagner’s Das Rheingold.
Riccardo Muti cancels his fall Chicago Symphony appearances due to illness, but violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter was up to the task, directing the season-opening Symphony Ball.

UMS News

Barbara Hoover of The Detroit News and Susan Nisbett of Ann Arbor.com offer a glimpse at this weekend’s Paul Taylor performances
And the AnnArbor.com review of Thursday night’s opening performance appeared this morning.
Valergy Gergiev and the orchestra formerly known as the Kirov (now the Mariinsky) visit Ann Arbor on Sunday with a program of Rachmaninoff and Mahler.
Japanese butoh troupe Sankai Juku, appearing as part of the UMS dance season in late October, opened their residency at New York City’s Joyce Theater this week.
Murray Perahia cancels fall tour (including Nov 10 UMS concert) due to hand problems; Vladimir Feltsman takes his place with program of Mozart, Schubert and Chopin
Takacs Quartet Schubert Concert: AnnArbor.com preview, Kahane out, Feltsman in (again!) for Schubert’s last piano sonata.

Local Shout-Outs

This is the last weekend to head west to see Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize finalists. The winner of the $250,000 top prize was announced yesterday!

Just For Fun

Think dance is just for the world’s clubs and stages? Check out this choreographed in-flight safety demonstration by Cebu Pacific. Look out Southwest, somebody’s trying to up the fun quotient!

UMS’s Arts Roundup: September 17

Arts Issues

So many galas, so little time: a look at season-opening celebrations across the country.

Artist Updates

Pianist Glenn Gould: Nut or Genius? A fresh look through a new documentary.
NPR talks with Patti LuPone about life on Broadway and her new memoir
A reflective Riccardo Muti starts his tenure with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

UMS News

Don Calamia reviews opening theater production, Susurrus, for Encore Michigan

Local Shout-Outs

A salute to Lois Beznos by both Crain’s Detroit and Musical America as she steps down as President of the Chamber Music Society of Detroit
Rolling Stone recognizes Encore Recordings as one of the best

Just For Fun

Guess there can be only one Graceland: the Liberace Museum in Las Vegas is closing

UMS’s Arts Roundup: September 10

Arts Issues

The play’s the thing: tackling children’s theater

Artist Updates

And the winner is…The Kennedy Center announces its 2010 honorees
Former Boston Symphony Orchestra onductor Seiji Ozawa on life and work after cancer
Answering questions about the origins of the universe: a look at choreographer Liz Lerman’s new work
Leonard Slatkin extends contract as guest conductor with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

UMS News

Ann Arbor.com previews UMS’s opening production, Susurrus
And the first review is in!

Local Shout-Outs

Michigan State steps up with new music program for Detroit students
U-M faculty member Evan Chambers and the University Symphony Orchestra celebrate the release of The Old Burying Ground

UMS’s Arts Roundup: September 3

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 Arts Round-up, 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!

Arts Issues

“Soundcheck Smackdown” looks at the impact and value of live cinema broadcasts.
The New York Times asks, “Does music make you exercise harder?”

Artist Updates

Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians authorize strike after talks fail
A look at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s new digs
The struggles of historic Beijng Opera in the 21^st Century
The Village Voice chats with jazz pianist Vijay Iyer about his new album, Solo

Local Shout-Outs

No Labor Day Weekend plans? Head downtown to the 2010 Detroit International Jazz Festival.

Just For Fun

Graduating from Kindergarten hardly an accomplishment for this 6-year-old piano prodigy.
Need to kickstart your workday? Flashmob-turned-flashdance got things jumping at Liverpool Station.

UMS’s Arts Roundup: August 27

Arts Issues

Pianomania puts the wishes of the world’s greatest pianists in the spotlight from the perspective of their Steinway technician
The Wall Street Journal takes a look at how a new generation of leadership is changing the role of art museums

Artist Updates

Just who is Grupo Corpo? Here’s a primer from UK’s The Guardian
And now that you know them, check out a review of Grupo Corpo’s latest work, Parabelo
In tough times, the Seattle Symphony opts for a “new” approach, commissioning 18 new works for the 10/11 season
The New York Times reviews a new biography about Ballets Russes master Serge Diaghilev

Local Shout-Outs

Introducing a new ballet troupe in metro Detroit – crazy talk or toast of the town?

UMS’s Arts Round-up: August 20

Arts Issues

The Los Angeles Times asks, “Are Conductors Really Necessary?”
The National Jazz Museum and audio engineer Doug Pomeroy are on a mission to save “The Savory Collection” of recorded radio broadcasts from the late 1930s
John Kay of the Financial Times on measuring the true value of the arts

Artist Updates

A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Renée Fleming’s new album on CBS’s “Sunday Morning”
Philadelphia Orchestra Joins the Popcorn Crowd
The Metropolitan Opera set a new opening day record in box office sales for the 2010/11 season
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra under pressure with contract talks

Local Shout-Outs

Detroit’s Music Hall announces 2010/11 season
A remembrance on how the Barton organ saved the Michigan Theater in 1979

Just For Fun

Dōmo arigatō, Mr. Roboto. But can they really act?

UMS’s Arts Round-up: August 13

Arts Issues

Just how do recording artists get paid? A look at the love/hate relationship with music copyright enforcers
Cleveland music critic loses lawsuit against The Plain Dealer and Cleveland Symphony Orchestra
Tales from the Fringe: A different kind of theater experience

Artist Updates

Rosanne Cash’s memoir, Composed, was released this week
More on Rosanne Cash, with a “Day in the Life” Profile by New York Magazine

Local Shout-Outs

The Michigan Theater goes green with solar panel installation thanks to XSeed Energy Project
Alleged Bansky graffiti piece excavated from Detroit’s Packard Plant up for auction on E-bay

Just For Fun

Wondering what to do with those extra office supplies? Post-It Brand hosted the 30^th annual Student Design Contest for the world’s largest artistic billboard made entirely of, you guessed it, Post-Its. Check out the winner!

UMS Arts Round-up: August 6

National Issues

In Seattle, dance class (modeled after Mark Morris’ Dance for PD) helps Parkinson’s patients

Artist Updates

Alec Wilkinson of The New Yorker sits in on Wynton Marsalis’s latest project
Politics as unusual? Wyclef Jean contemplates run for Haitian presidency
A match made in heaven or a shotgun wedding? The Wall Street Journal discusses a possible merger between the Kennedy Center and the National Opera
Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart takes the helm at the BBC Concert Orchestra

Local Shout-Outs

Ann Arbor theater troupe Performance Network announces its 2010/11 season.
Blackbird Theatre, another Ann Arbor theater company, spreads its wings with a move to the Kerrytown District

Just for Fun

“Flash Opera” at the Reading Terminal by the Philadelphia Opera Chorus!

UMS’s Arts Round-up: July 30, 2010

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 Arts Round-up, a weekly collection of arts news, including national and international arts 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!

Arts Issues

Ever wonder just what goes into bringing international artists to the US? For the first time since 9/11, the Federal Government is about to expedite part of the process.
Writers, composers, painters, and inventive scientists have all suffered from it. Find out how some of the world’s greatest artists fought creative block.
Check out the new trend in theater: an audience of one.

Artist Updates

Chris Lydon of the Huffington Post sits down with jazz pianist Vijay Iyer to talk about about his heritage, growing up in New York, and the spaces in between.
Bill T. Jones and others pay tribute to Merce Cunningham with original performances commemorating the first anniversary of this death.
Nathaniel Ayers, whose life was the basis for the movie The Soloist, continues his inspirational battle with Schizophrenia with a triumphant performance at the White House to mark the 20^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
It’s the year 2010, and the Vienna Philharmonic is in more hot water with the public and government funders and the public over issues of gender equality in hiring practices.

Local Shout-Outs

Congrats to the DSO and the DIA, who were both recently awarded major grants by Detroit foundations.
U-M’s Residential College celebrated the 10^th anniversary of its Shakespeare in the Arb program with performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream last month. Here’s a look at this year’s event through a photo gallery.

Just For Fun

Looking for a place to crash this fall? The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is looking for someone to spend a month living at the museum 24/7.

UMS’s Arts Round-Up: July 23, 2010

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 Arts Round-Up, 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 Issues

You’ve come a long way, baby. NPR asked hundreds of women working in the music business what it’s like to be working as a female musician today. Hear from Deborah Voigt, Janis Ian, Sarah McLaughlin, Jennifer Higdon, and more.
The New York Times asks why it’s called incidental music if it’s not so incidental.

Artist Updates

The Washington Post offers a delightful profile of Paul Taylor on the eve of his 80^th birthday.
Philip Glass’s The American Four Seasons received its US premiere at the Aspen Music Festival. Check out the trailer for a sneak peak!
Wondering what’s coming to Ann Arbor next year as part of NT Live’s high-definition broadcast theater series? Check out this review of the new hit musical, FELA!

Local Shout-Outs

Looking for some outdoor fun after the Art Fairs? Check out the new Land of Nod music and camping festival in Jackson, featuring plenty of local acts including The Ragbirds, Macpodz, and The Satin Peaches.

Just For Fun

Curious about just what goes into those elaborate costumes at the Met? The New York Times has the inside scoop.

UMS’s Arts Round-Up: July 16, 2010

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 Arts Roudup, 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 Issues

Feeling a little less creative? You’re not alone, as a new study shows a dramatic decline in creativity among US citizens.
The Big Read just got a lot smaller, as the NEA slashed funds to the nation’s largest book club program.
Can you carry a tune? Here are two new reasons to sing. First, putting words to music appears to dramatically help stroke patients who have lost speech skills recover. Second, singing together encourages cooperation. Looks like Maria Von Trapp got it right with those kids!
Remember Gustavo Dudamel’s rise to fame through Venezuela’s El Sistema? A group of hand-picked music educators on fellowship at the New England Conservatory is now attempting to bring its principles to the US with El Sistema USA. Here’s the first in a series of articles and videos about the incredible phenomenon.

Artist Updates & New Companies to Watch

Rumors abound that Pierre Boulez may be writing an opera based on Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.
Simon McBurney’s A Disappearing Number disappeared from Ann Arbor nearly two years ago, but it’s been found again — at the Lincoln Center Festival this weekend, and coming to a theater near you as part of the National Theater of London’s live broadcast series this fall. Stay tuned for an announcement about a local screening…
What’s that up in the sky? It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no…it’s Ameba Acrobatic and Ariel Dance.

Local Shout-Outs

Congratulations, Ann Arbor! Our college town was noted as a “mecca of arts and culture” as it was named one of CNNMoney’s top 100 best small cities in which to live.
The annual Ann Arbor Art Fairs run next Wednesday-Saturday, and the line-up of live music has been announced. Check out the performers on the lawn outside our offices at Burton Tower and the Sesi Mazda Ann Arbor’s 107one stage on South University.
Detroit’s 17^th annual Concert of Colors, an free festival of international music, takes place this weekend at the DIA and the Max. A complete line-up was announced by the Detroit Free Press earlier this week.

UMS Summers “Up North”

Northern Michigan Sunset, courtesy of Marnie Reid

Ah, summer. For many Michiganders, that means packing up the car and heading to a place we lovingly call “Up North,” the land of fresh air, blue skies, and sandy shores that stretch on for miles. Head north of Cadillac and west of Houghton Lake this summer, and you’ll find a myriad of arts opportunities and UMS connections.

Paul Taylor Dance Company: Piazzolla Caldera. Photo courtesy of Paul Goode.

Twenty minutes southeast of Traverse City, Interlochen Center for the Arts is nestled between tall timbers and two inland lakes. Catch an encore performance of the Punch Brothers and Chris Thile on July 17 (they performed to a sizable crowd at the Power Center this past fall) or get a sneak peak of the Paul Taylor Dance Company on July 23 before their week-long residency in Ann Arbor this fall.

Interlochen is also home to a world-famous summer arts camp that draws young musicians, dancers, writers, visual artists, and more from around the globe for two to six weeks of intensive study, and a high school arts academy. Its list of high-performing alumni is astonishingly long, and includes musicians in the Berlin Philharmonic, The Cleveland Orchestra, and Detroit Symphony Orchestra; dancers and directors of the Martha Graham Dance Company, Mark Morris Dance Company, and José Limón Dance Company; jazz musicians Regina Carter and Chris and Daniel Brubeck, and many more. In any given year, you’re bound to find at least a few alumni on the UMS schedule. In fact, UMS also used the Interlochen Academy Orchestra in the past for performances of Handel’s Messiah.

But that’s not the only place Interlochen alums appear. Several members of the UMS staff are also alumni. I myself have wonderful memories of six summers in the All-State piano, band, and orchestra programs and one summer on faculty as a flute instructor. UMS Choral Union conductor Jerry Blackstone led the University of Michigan All-State Choirs for 17 summers in addition to serving as Director of the All-State Program for several years. And UMS President Ken Fischer met his wife Penny there during summer camp in 1961 and now serves on the Board of Trustees.

Speaking of Ken, if you’re traveling to the Petoskey or Charlevoix areas, you may bump into him around town, as he often spends a few days each summer meeting with members of the UMS National Council, donors, and new friends of UMS who call this region home for part or all of the year. For members of the U-M Alumni Associations who travel to Camp Michigania, he also gives annual talks at the Education Center.

Whatever your summer plans, we’d love to hear how you are making the arts a part of them, whether in northern Michigan, here in Ann Arbor, or by traveling to Stratford, Aspen, Tanglewood or one of dozens of other summer festivals.

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