News to start your week!
The City of Birmingham Symphony has officially announced that Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla will in fact become the new music director. Read the official press release here. The reaction to her appointment has been fantastically positive – the Guardian has thoughts by Andrew Clements as well as Imogen Tilden. And in case you’re curious, check out Alex Ross’s blog to learn how to correctly pronounce her name.
Jane Little, bass player with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, has become the longest-serving orchestral player in history. She just celebrated her 71st season with the ensemble! The Atlanta Magazine has an interview that shouldn’t be missed.
And NPR interviewed conductor and soprano Barbara Hannigan about her passion for contemporary music. Read the story here, or listen below:
Speaking of contemporary music, New Music USA has announced the winners of it’s recent grant cycle. Over $275,000 has been awarded to fund projects involving new American music. Check out the full list of winners, including several exciting projects featuring women composers, here.