August 26, 2024

Happy Monday.! In the latest episode of "Lang Lang Does Everything," our favourite piano prodigy offers you the chance to fly to New York, sip champagne, and watch him dazzle at Carnegie Hall — all expenses paid. And the best part? You get to meet him backstage for a photo op in case your friends still don’t believe you’ve been touched by classical music royalty.

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In this week’s email:

The big idea: Judge Narrows Anna Netrebko’s Case Against Met
Making news: New head appointed at Royal Swedish Opera replacing deceased Canadian
Talking points: Climate change threatens Sydney Opera House
Laugh of the week

CLASSICAL CHARTZ

Weekly selections are based on sales numbers and albums we simply love and think you NEED to hear!

For the complete top 20, tune into Classical Chartz with the New Classical FM’s Mark Wigmore every Saturday from 3-5 pm EST!

THE BIG IDEA

Judge Narrows Anna Netrebko’s Case Against Met

The “Point of Ukraine” organization called to boycott the Putin-associated soprano Anna Netrebko’s concert in Linz, Austria on August 23rd. On the same day in the US, her case against the Metropolitan Opera was greenlit by a judge.

Making headlines: The Russian soprano and friend to Vladimir Putin, Anna Netrebko, performed in Linz, Austria on August 23rd. Her concert was met with demonstrations by the Ukrainian organization, Point of Ukraine. Austria’s Ukrainian ambassador, Wassyl Chymynez, called her concert a slap in the face to all Ukrainians who are victims of Russian aggression.

The Point of Ukraine organization is made up of employees and students of Johannes Kepler University in Linz as well as other Austrian citizens. They previously called for boycotts and a cancellation of the concert and pointed out that Netrebko has been on the Ukrainian list of sanctioned persons since 2023.

In case you missed it…: Anna Netrebko made further headlines this week when her defamation case against the Metropolitan Opera was greenlit by Judge Analisa Nadine Torres on Friday afternoon. Judge Torres ruled that Netrebko’s case has merit under claims of gender discrimination. The soprano has been suing the Met for at least $360,000 USD for defamation, breach of contract, and discrimination because of national origin. She was dropped from her Metropolitan Opera contracts following her refusal to speak out against Vladimir Putin.

Bigger Picture

As the legal proceedings continue, this case underscores the complex interplay between art, politics, and the personal lives of public figures. — SS

TOUR DE HEADLINES

Errollyn Wallen (Courtesy photo)

Belize-born composer is first Black woman to be Master of the King’s Music — Errollyn Wallen has been appointed as the first Black woman to serve as Master of the King’s Music, a significant title recognizing her contributions to royal and national music events, including composing for the BBC Proms and the 2012 Paralympic Games. Her illustrious career encompasses composing 22 operas and becoming the first Black woman featured at the BBC Proms, making her one of the most performed living composers. | The Guardian

New Jersey Symphony to Relocate to Downtown Jersey City — The New Jersey Symphony is set to relocate to a new, state-of-the-art Symphony Center in Jersey City's Powerhouse Arts District, announced by Mayor Steven Fulop. This 44,000 square foot facility will include a versatile 550-seat theater, educational spaces, and administrative offices, aiming to become a hub for artistic, educational, and community activities in Hudson County, with the venue expected to open in Spring 2026. | The Violin Channel

The Piano Lesson First Look: How a Stage Classic Became a “Haunting” Directorial Debut From Malcolm Washington — Malcolm Washington, in his directorial debut, has adapted August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play "The Piano Lesson" for Netflix, featuring a cast including John David Washington and Samuel L. Jackson. This film adaptation explores the Charles family's struggle with their past and the decision of whether to sell a family heirloom piano, deeply intertwining themes of intergenerational trauma and cultural legacy, set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. | Vanity Fair

MAKING NEWS

Tobias Theorell, Royal Swedish Opera (Courtesy photo)

New Head Appointed at Royal Swedish Opera Replacing Deceased Canadian

Tobias Theorell has been appointed head of the Royal Swedish Opera. Theorell replaces Canadian director Michael Cavanagh, who passed away of cancer in March of this year.

What’s up: On August 21st, the Royal Swedish Opera announced that Tobias Theorell will be its new director. Theorell is the artistic director of Stockholm’s Folkoperan and has directed numerous productions at the Royal Swedish Opera. He replaces Canadian director Michael Cavanagh, who passed away in March after beginning his tenure at the Royal Swedish Opera in 2021.

A bit of background: The Royal Swedish Opera also includes a ballet company, youth opera company, orchestra, and chorus. Located in the centre of Stockholm, the Royal Swedish Opera had its first performance in 1773. Over the years, the house has fostered the careers of superstar singers including Anne Sofie von Otter, Jussi Björling, Nicolai Gedda, Jenny Lind, Peter Mattei, Elisabeth Söderstrom, Birgit Nilsson, and Nina Stemme, who all formed part of its ensemble at one time or another.

Tobias Theorell will join conductor Alan Gilbert, who serves as Royal Kapellmeister of the Swedish Opera. We wish Theorell all the best, lyckönskningar! — SS

TALKING POINTS

Climate Change Threatens the Sydney Opera House

A new report by climate data analytics firm Climate X has delivered unsettling news: several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Sydney Opera House, are under severe threat from climate change. Due to its waterfront location, the iconic Opera House is particularly vulnerable, with sea levels in Sydney expected to rise by up to 56 centimetres by 2050.

The story: Commissioned by the Australian government, the report highlights that Sydney could warm by 1.8 degrees Celsius by mid-century, with temperatures potentially doubling by 2090. This increase would lead to significant sea level rises, posing a danger not just to the Opera House but to all of Sydney’s waterways and beaches.

Bottom line: Lukky Ahmed, CEO of Climate X, emphasized the broader implications, noting that climate change is threatening both ancient cultural treasures and modern infrastructure, urging immediate global action. — MV

GAMES

Nothing says Monday like a mini-crossword .

LAUGH OF THE WEEK

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