January 27, 2025

🎶 Channel your inner Hans Zimmer today — the legendary composer behind Dune has been asked by Saudi Arabia to reimagine their national anthem. Sounds like a project as epic as Arrakis itself! 🌍🎶

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The big idea: Classical Music at a turning point: Trump's 2025 cultural agenda
Talking points:
— BBC commissions 25 compositions for 2025
— Countertenor David Daniels sues University of Michigan for unfair dismissal
Around the web + Laugh of the week

CLASSICAL CHARTZ

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THE BIG IDEA

Classical Music at a Turning Point: Trump's 2025 Cultural Agenda

The classical music world faces a pivotal moment as Donald Trump's return to the White House signals potential shifts in America's cultural landscape. While his previous term saw the landmark signing of the Music Modernization Act in 2018 — a bipartisan achievement that modernized copyright law and improved compensation for creators — his 2025 agenda suggests a different approach to cultural policy.

The anticipated appointment of Christopher Macchio — dubbed "America's tenor" and a Trump rally regular — as Ambassador for American Music and Culture marks a symbolic change in how classical music might be positioned and supported during this administration.

DEI Initiatives Under Pressure
The implications for opera companies and classical institutions are particularly significant. Following the Black Lives Matter movement, many opera companies implemented diversity initiatives and expanded their programming to include more contemporary works and diverse voices. However, Trump's executive order eliminating DEI programs in federal agencies could pressure these organizations to revise their approaches to secure government funding.

Musicians' Livelihoods at Stake
The stakes are high for the performing arts community. The recent $1.5 billion plan supporting the American Federation of Musicians Union's pensions, which benefits nearly 50,000 members, demonstrates how government policies directly impact musicians' livelihoods. The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), which had endorsed Trump's opponent, now faces the challenge of advocating for its members under an administration that may be less sympathetic to union interests. — MV

TOUR DE HEADLINES

Leo Geyer and his company on The Lost Music of Auschwitz. (Photo: Sky)

🕯 “Why would an orchestra exist in this hell?” The Guardian asks about the lost music of Auschwitz, a haunting chapter in history where imprisoned musicians played to survive. Despite unimaginable horrors, orchestras formed behind barbed wire as a testament to human resilience. These stories are finally emerging, showing how music can endure even the darkest moments. Read more

]🎼 Is classical finally breaking new ground? The Washington Post is calling Kenya’s “Ghetto Classics” program the “unexpected oasis of Mozart and Beethoven,” but in a way that’s transforming lives for hundreds of underprivileged youth. Ghetto Classics is helping kids in Nairobi’s slums find harmony and hope through music, and it’s even produced young talents who’ve performed with major orchestras worldwide. Organizers say classical music’s strict discipline leads to tangible change, one note at a time. Read more

🔥 Wildfire to world stage: A Palm Beach opera singer is turning personal tragedy into her greatest triumph, overcoming devastating losses from a raging blaze that nearly silenced her. WPTV reports the rising soprano rebuilt her life through music, landing lead roles and inspiring fellow survivors. She says the discipline and drama of opera helped her conquer a literal “trial by fire.” Read more

MORE NEWS TO KNOW

🎻 Violinist.com is shining a spotlight on cutting-edge violin innovations debuting at NAMM 2025, including carbon-fiber builds, AI-powered practice apps, and hybrid acoustic-electrics designed for both classical and crossover performance. Instrument makers say these tech breakthroughs could usher in a new era for string players, drawing fresh audiences while giving seasoned musicians next-level tools to refine their craft. Read more
Celebrated soprano Lise Davidsen announces her pregnancy and withdraws from all stage performances until 2026. OperaWire says her “dazzling career” will pause, with fans already counting down to her anticipated return. Read more
Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen has a new baton to carry — signing with Enticott Music Management. The Violin Channel reports Salonen’s move could mean expanded global collaborations and fresh innovations for orchestras worldwide. Read more

TALKING POINTS

Top L- Bottom R (clockwise) Nkeiru Okoye, Jasper Dommett, Elena Kats-Chernin, Karl Jenkins, Anna Clyne and Kieran Brunt

BBC Commissions 25 Compositions For 2025

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has launched ‘25 for 25: Sounds of the Century', which includes 25 commissions for BBC ensembles and New Generation artists.

In with the new: Marking the first quarter of the 21st century, the British Broadcasting Corporation has commissioned 25 compositions for its ensembles and New Generation artists. Their ‘25 for 25: Sounds of the Century’ program includes compositions inspired by notable British events of the 21st century, which will be performed between January 25th and July 12th. The events range from 9/11 to the London 2012 Olympics to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Anna Clyne’s composition ‘The Eye’ played by the BBC Philharmonic launches the series.

Digging deeper: Many of the compositions in the BBC’s series reflect on social and technological changes in our world over the past quarter century. Elena Kats-Chernin’s piece for the BBC Scottish Symphony reflects on England’s Marriage Act for same sex couples, while Jasper Dommett’s piece for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales reflects on the creation of the smartphone.

Each composition meditates on different events or people that have shaped the UK’s national identity since the year 2000. Perhaps other countries (like Canada) might consider following suit. — SS

Jonas Kaufmann (Photo: Gregor Hohenberg / Sony Music)

Countertenor David Daniels Sues University of Michigan For Unfair Dismissal

David Daniels has filed a lawsuit against the University of Michigan. The countertenor has claimed his rights were violated when he was fired in 2020.

What’s going on: This week, the countertenor David Daniels filed a lawsuit against the University of Michigan after being dismissed from the school in 2020. Daniels was fired after an investigation into sexual misconduct found that Daniels had solicited 3 students and shared explicit videos with another student. He claims the school has treated him differently from heterosexual members of the faculty, who engaged in similar acts of misconduct.

In case you missed it: In 2019, David Daniels and his husband Scott Walters were arrested and charged after the Rice University student Samuel Schultz claimed to have been drugged and sexually assaulted by the couple. In 2023, Daniels and Walters pleaded guilty to the charges.

Before Daniels’ charges, the countertenor enjoyed a glittering career on the world’s greatest stages. He was a tenured professor at the University of Michigan, and former US Supreme Court Justice and opera lover Ruth Bader Ginsburg presided over his wedding to Scott Walters. Since his conviction, Daniels has been dropped from AGMA, yet still has received offers to restart his singing career in Europe. — SS

GAMES

Dig in to today's mini-crossword.

AROUND THE WEB

🎹 On this day: In 1756, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, eventually composing over 600 works.

🎢 Video: Go behind the scenes of Europe’s largest abandoned theme park and discover its eerie remnants.

🛰️ That’s cool: Observe the fascinating “resurrection plant,” which curls up in desert-like conditions and unfurls when watered.

🌀 Game: Step into this gritty, text-based world—build an empire, outwit rivals, and climb the criminal ranks.

🐱 Aww: Meet a Fennec Fox. You’re welcome.

LAUGH OF THE WEEK

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