May 21, 2024

Conductor Teodor Currentzis proved that you don't need a tux to make Bruckner's 9th a knockout — just a good tank top and a lot of confidence!

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In this week’s email:

The big idea: Did AI just kill classical music?
Opera world: Opera singer hides pregnancy to avoid stigma
On stage: King Charles makes a surprise appearance at the opera
Laugh of the week
Around the web: A new web browser game, a deep dive into fast food prices, why Bridesmaids are struggling, plus more curious internet finds.

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

Did AI Just Kill Classical Music?

Prepare to question everything you know about AI music. Violinist and creator Daniel Kurganov has dropped a new video that’s making waves — and it's not just because of his exquisite playing. Spoiler alert: it's all AI.

In the video, Kurganov invites us to rethink our understanding of good string playing. Is musical nuance something we can teach, or is it a mysterious, emotional hand-me-down?

Artificial Intelligence entirely composed and performed the music, with Kurganov guiding the AI using simple text instructions. He calls it a groundbreaking technological moment, hinting at a future where AI might redefine classical music.

So, is AI a threat to the human creative spirit, or could it enhance our musical endeavours?

This video is bound to spark debates among musicians and music lovers alike. Check it out here and join the conversation.

—MV

TOUR DE HEADLINES

Photo via Seattle Police Department

UK Arts Organisations Warn of Impending ‘Arts Apocalypse' — A coalition of UK arts organizations has issued a dire warning about arts education, calling for urgent political action to address the decline in funding, teacher recruitment, and curriculum support. | Classical-music.uk

Violist Retires After 44 Years With Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra— Jacoba Gale, the longest-serving musician with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, has retired after 44 years | BBC

Boston Symphony Orchestra Appoints Concertmaster After 5-Year Vacancy —Nathan Cole has been appointed as the Boston Symphony Orchestra's new concertmaster, succeeding Malcolm Lowe and bringing extensive experience and a deep respect for the position's legacy. | The Violin Channel

Barbara Hannigan Named as Chief Conductor & Artistic Director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra — Barbara Hannigan has been appointed Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, starting in August 2026 for an initial three-season term. — | Ludwig van Toronto

Welsh National Opera to Present Eco-Friendly Production — The Welsh National Opera will present "The Very Last Green Thing," an eco-friendly musical featuring recycled props and costumes, directed by Rhian Hutchings and designed by Greta Baxter. | Operawire

Opera Singer Turns to Care Work as Hundreds Protest — Mezzo-soprano Leah Marian Jones became a care worker after Welsh National Opera funding cuts, sparking protests and criticism. | BBC

OPERA WORLD

Rebecca Krynski Cox as Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire (Daniel Ozoulay for Florida Opera)

Opera Singer Hides Pregnancy to Avoid Stigma

The soprano Rebecca Krynski Cox maintains a busy calendar and an active social media presence. But it wasn’t until the 9th month of her pregnancy that she announced in a joint post with the Florida Grand Opera that she was pregnant.

Driving the news: Rebecca Krynski Cox recently performed Mimì with the Florida Grand Opera (FGO). Krynski Cox prolifically posts on social media but refrained from posting anything to reveal her pregnancy. Krynski Cox claims she didn’t want to hinder companies from casting her in future seasons. The FGO supported Krynski Cox through her performances; rebuilding her costumes, having an EMT backstage, and keeping a doctor on call.

Why it matters: Pregnancy is a hot topic in the performing arts. In 2018, Julie Fuchs was unexpectedly fired from her appearances as Pamina in Die Zauberflöte with the Hamburg State Opera when she was 4 months pregnant and still in top vocal and physical form. In 2016, the Broadway musical Shuffle Along closed with producer Scott Rudin citing the star Audra McDonald’s pregnancy as the reason.

A New York Times article recently explained how‑-more than five years after the #MeToo movement‑-many companies now think creatively to accommodate pregnant singers. The Metropolitan Opera states that if a pregnant singer wants to perform, they will.

Yet it can still be nerve-wracking for a singer to be public about their family life due to the industry’s male-dominated, highly competitive nature. Brava to Rebecca Krynski Cox for speaking out, and congrats to her and her family. — SS

ON STAGE

King Charles attends a special gala performance at the Royal Opera House (Video still via the Royal Operas House)

King Charles Makes A Surprise Appearance At The Opera

On Thursday night, opera’s biggest stars performed at the Royal Opera House to honour conductor Sir Antonio Pappano’s 22 years at its head. At the end of the performance, King Charles III surprisingly appeared alongside the performers.

What’s up: On May 16th, leading singers graced the Royal Opera House stage to honour the end of Sir Antonio Pappano’s 22 years as music director. Singers including Ermonela Jaho, Lisette Oropesa, Nadine Sierra, Aigul Akhmetshina, Bryn Terfel, Jonas Kaufmann, and Gerald Finley performed in a gala of arias and ensembles conducted by Pappano. At the performance’s end, King Charles came onstage, taking a bow and shaking Pappano’s hand.

Playing catch-up: King Charles has been a noted supporter of classical music throughout his life. For his coronation, he personally commissioned 12 contemporary works, which were conducted by Pappano. The King’s appearance at the gala was particularly meaningful as he is currently receiving cancer treatment.

As for the performers…

…They were reportedly informed 20 minutes before going onstage that the King would be in attendance. But, you never know when a king or queen might show up at your show. — SS

GAMES

Nothing says Monday like a mini-crossword .

AROUND THE WEB

📅 On this day: Composer Erik Satie was born in 1866.

👾 Games: Meet Ztype: Space Invaders with Mario Teaches Typing. Oddly satisfying.

💍 Interesting: Bridesmaids are going into debt for their friends’ weddings.

🍔 Learnings: Fast food prices have risen substantially. Find out why.

🦥 Awww: This baby sloth just needed a helping hand.

LAUGH OF THE WEEK

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Today's email was brought to you by Sara "Surprise Appearance" Schabas and Michael "Pro Pregnant Singers" Vincent.

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