December 11, 2023

In a rather quirky incident, a lone tomato, presumed lost for eight months, was unexpectedly found aboard the International Space Station. Return of the Killer Tomatoes, anyone?

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In this week’s email:

The big idea: Why does everyone rise during the Handel’s 'Hallelujah' Chorus?
Turbulent times: Strike causes havoc at the Bayerische Staatsoper
In Memoriam: Legendary voice teacher Marlena Malas dies at 87
Nostalgia of the week
Around the web: Find your favourite mystery novel, an online goldfish game, a new AI music generator, plus more curious internet finds.

CLASSICAL CHARTZ

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THE BIG IDEA

Why Does Everyone Rise During the Handel’s 'Hallelujah' Chorus?

— The curious tradition of standing during the Handel Messiah's 'Hallelujah' Chorus.

For first-time concertgoers attending Handel's Messiah, you’ll witness one of classical music’s dearest traditions. At the beginning of the majestic 'Hallelujah' chorus section of the concert, suddenly, like a well-rehearsed flash mob, the entire audience rises to their feet.

What you’ll learn is that the seemingly spontaneous rising has bemused audiences for centuries.

The question is, where did this tradition come from?

A Royal Mystery or Just a Need to Stretch?

The most widely accepted hypothesis is that King George II stood up during the performance of the chorus at the London premiere in 1743. While it is suggested that the audience stood because it was protocol to stand when the king stood, the motivation behind the king's action itself is a subject of debate, and no definitive evidence confirms the exact reason.

Hypothesis 1

One compelling viewpoint suggests that King George II stood up at the moment the lyrics "For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" were sung, which could be seen as an act of homage to divine authority, aligning the earthly monarchy with the heavenly one. This action can also be interpreted as a political gesture that resonated with the British audience and Parliament, considering George II's foreign origins and the constitutional monarchy established by William and Mary.

This view posits that the king's standing was a deliberate and wise acknowledgment of a higher power during tumultuous times, an act that would endear him to his subjects and the Church of England.

Hypothesis 2

Julian Wachner, the esteemed music director of the Choir of Trinity Wall Street, offers a less mystical explanation. The tradition could have started inadvertently when the king rose because he was uncomfortable after sitting so long.

Why It Matters

The truth behind this practice might be shrouded in historical hearsay, but one thing's for sure — it adds a layer of participation and unity to the listening experience. So this season, when you feel that urge to rise, know that you're part of a tradition that’s as enigmatic as it is Hallelujah! — MV

TOUR DE HEADLINES

Okanagan Symphony Orchestra (Photo: Maja Pannes)

Former Okanagan Symphony Orchestra Music Director Claiming Wrongful Dismissal — Conductor Rosemary Thomson has filed a claim against the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, alleging wrongful dismissal following her termination as Music Director. The dismissal, which Thomson contends was without merit, stemmed from a concert that featured guest artists representing Indigenous cultures and improvisatory traditions outside the orchestra's classical roots. | Global News

Naomi Woo Named First Woman Music Director Of NYO Canada — The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) has announced the precedent-setting appointment of Naomi Woo as Music Director for its 2024/2025 seasons. Maestra Woo will be the first woman to hold the position in the organization’s history. | Ludwig van Toronto

Catherine Malfitano Confirms Matthew Epstein is Alive — Soprano Catherine Malfitano confirmed that Matthew Epstein is alive but unconscious in the hospital, undergoing tests with an unknown prognosis. This statement clarifies misinformation that had circulated following an erroneous report of his death, which led to tributes from various singers on social media.| Opera News

Aspen Music Festival and School Announces New Name for Its Biggest Venue — The Aspen Music Festival and School has renamed its Music Tent as the "Michael Klein Music Tent" in honor of Klein's contributions and support, especially during the pandemic. The entrance to the tent will now be known as the "Benedict Entrance," continuing to honor architect Fritz Benedict, who was previously recognized in the tent's name. | Aspen Public Radio

What Made Maria Callas the World's 'Greatest Diva' — Maria Callas, renowned for her riveting opera performances and dramatic personal life, symbolized the archetypal diva. Her centenary is celebrated with global events and exhibitions, reflecting on her transformative impact on opera and her challenging journey in the public eye. | BBC

Heather Kurzbauer’s New Book, “Employment and Vulnerabilities in the World of Orchestral Musicians: Symphonic Metamorphoses” — The book examines the challenges and legal aspects of working in orchestral music, focusing on issues like financing, elitism, and hiring practices. It offers insights for musicians and students navigating the orchestral industry. | The Violin Channel

The Soundtrack to Ridley Scott's Napoleon Movie Features a Piano That Was Once Owned by Napoleon Himself — Ridley Scott's Napoleon biopic features an authentic element in its soundtrack: a piano that once belonged to Napoleon. The piano, over 200 years old and located in the Museum of Music History in London, was used in the film's score for its unique sound, contributing to the film's historical authenticity. | Music Radar

TURBULENT TIMES

Bayerische Staatsoper. (Courtesy Photo)

Strike Cause Havoc at Bayerische Staatsoper

Guest artists at the Bayerische Staatsoper will wait two months to be paid following a disruptive public sector strike in Munich.

What’s Up: Guest artists at the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich recently received a letter informing them that they will not be paid until February. The pay disruptions come following a public sector Warnstreik in Munich that led to unstaged and cancelled performances at the Staatsoper starting in mid-November.

Refresher: In Munich, opera singers’ payments are processed through the Bavarian State Treasurer’s Office. The many guest artists who perform after December 15, unfortunately, will wait until February to be paid, as the office closes over Christmas.

Digging Deeper: Murmurings about the financial state of the legendary Munich opera house are circulating following this chaotic autumn. Belgian Intendant Serge Dorny has led the Staatsoper since 2021. However, the Staatsoper’s Financial Director, Dr. Roland Schwab, claims the issues are not the opera house’s fault. He shared that those hoping to help the affected singers through this challenging holiday season are welcome to contact financial services. — SS

IN MEMORIAM

Marlena Malas (Photo: Chautauqua School of Music)

Legendary Voice Teacher Marlena Malas Dies at 87

Marlena Kleinman Malas, voice teacher to many renowned opera singers, died on December 4th.

What’s Up: On December 4th, Marlena Kleinman Malas passed away at the age of 87. Malas taught at the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music. She was also Chair of the Voice Department at the Chautauqua Institute as well as a teacher for the Canadian Opera Company (since 1979), the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Program, the English National Opera, the Santa Fe Opera, the Castleton Festival, and the Chicago Lyric Opera Young Artist Program among other places.

Refresher: Marlena Kleinman began her career as a mezzo-soprano, studying at the Curtis Institute and performing at the New York City Opera. In 1963 she married the bass player Spiro Malas. Malas’ many renowned voice students included Susan Graham, Richard Stilwell, Michael Schade, Paul Groves, Matthew Rose, Judith Haddon, Neil Shicoff and Tatiana Troyanos.

Digging Deeper: On social media, tributes from famous singers, opera companies and musical institutions have poured out since Malas’ death. The legendary vocal accompanist and former head of music at the Metropolitan Opera Craig Rutenberg praised her as “the best voice teacher I’ve known in the nearly 60 years I’ve been around teachers” and “a rare musician who brought the four worlds of technique, text, music and beauty together like no one else.” RIP and thank you, Mrs. Malas. — SS

QUIZ

AROUND THE WEB

📅 On this day: Hector Berlioz died in 1869.

🎶 That’s amazing: Sing into your computer’s microphone and this website will turn it into a song.

🐠Cure boredom: You’re now goldfish.

🔎 Useful: Find your next favourite mystery novel.

🐶 Aww: This cute puppy jumps around just like his owner.

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NOSTALGIA OF THE WEEK

This poster is for a 1908 production of Verdi’s Aida in Cleveland. It first premiered in Cairo on 24 December 1871 and has remained one of the composer's most celebrated works.

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