Awards for excellence in acting are separated according to gender, so why aren’t the awards for excellence in music? Jessica Duchen of The Independent argues the detrimental effects of a continuing focus on the appearance rather than the abilities of female musicians:
“….perhaps a conscious effort to introduce some of the younger, edgier classical musicians, including some of colour, into music coverage aimed at their younger demographic – many of whom can’t even conceive of classical music as music – might serve to break down some of these increasingly arbitrary walls. “ A fascinating read from Candace…
Some weeks ago we posted the link to a feature in the New York Times bout the destruction of pianos that no-one wanted to keep or maintain. Now the Sydney Morning Herald reports on a rapidly diminishing skill base of piano tuners. http://www.smh.com.au/national/scaled-back-dying-skill-a-note-of-concern-for-pianists-20120824-24rxj.html
Murray Black of “The Australian” reviews Anne Sofie von Otter’s Sydney concerts: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/mezzosopranos-double-bill-of-delights/story-fn9d2mxu-1226188092405
Over three nights, virtuoso violinist Madeleine Easton performed the landmark solo sonatas and partitas for violin by J S Bach.
A sneak peek at the set design for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. This year Opera Australia presents Verdi’s grand masterpiece Aida. Sopranos Latonia Moore and Daria Masiero will share the role of Aida. Directed by Gale Edwards with costume and set design by Mark Thompson, Aida will run from 27 March to 26 April 2015….
Lise Davidsen and Leif Ove Andsnes, the two prodigiously gifted Norwegian artists who have risen to the top of the classical music world, have collaborated for the first time on a new album of Edvard Grieg songs now released on Decca Classics.